What does it mean?
The word sustainability is used a lot these days. The word can conjure up many different ideas about what it means and why we should pay attention. Here are just a few examples:
“The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level” root word being, sustain.”
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.“
“Global sustainability is the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.”
Stella McCartney - Econyl parka (2023) is fully circular made of recycled nylon and is recyclable. It is inherently as sustainable as it gets.
Fashion’s Problem
Let’s Focus on 1 Solution
Eliminate waste and pollution
Fashion’s Goal
Work together to reduce or even reverse GHG emissions entirely.
Over consumption
Over production
Textile manufacturing pollutants
Textile manufacturing requires tons of energy and resources to make
Poor farming practices lead to land loss and poor farmers
Labor laws and wages
Poor factory conditions
GHG increases via online shopping through shipping and returns
We are an economically interconnected world yet disconnected from everyone. There are simply put, too many clothes. Over production and over consumption has created catastrophic events worldwide.
Kordal Studio is a women's knitwear brand founded by Mandy Kordal and based in New York City. These shorts were cut & sewn with La Workshop, Guatemala
– 100% recycled cotton canvas from The New Denim Project in Guatemala
Kordal sourced the canvas for this style from The New Denim Project , an amazing fabric mill based in Guatemala that is known for processing local pre-consumer denim into new raw materials, then spinning it into yarn and weaving it into new fabric. For this canvas, TNDP uses the leftover parts of cotton from other mills that are considered "too dirty," then cleans it super well and combines it with staple fiber cotton to create a new textile, and donates the remaining dirt or "waste" to local farmers to use as fertilizer. Closed loop is the goal!
Fashion has been doing the exact opposite…
A sustainable fashion brand is a company that creates clothing, shoes, and accessories in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. Some key practices of sustainable fashion brands include:
Using eco-friendly materials: This may include organic cotton, bamboo, linen, hemp, and other materials that are grown and processed without the use of harsh chemicals.
Implementing fair labor practices: This may include ensuring that workers are paid fair wages and have safe working conditions.
Implementing circular economy practices: This can include designing clothes to last longer, and creating clothing rental or buy-back programs
Using sustainable production methods: This can include using low-impact dyes, reducing water and energy consumption, recycling, composting and reusing materials, and reducing waste.
Transparent and traceable supply chain: Brands to show their customer all steps in the production process and to use eco-friendly certifications.
Sustainable fashion brands are focused on creating products that are not only stylish, but also have minimal environmental impact, promote social justice and fair labor practices, and contribute to the overall well-being of society. The goal is to create fashion that can be worn and loved for many years, with minimal harm to the planet and the people who made it.