Awareness about sustainability within the fashion industry has grown massively in the past few years, but for consumers, it can often be a minefield of information and conflicting opinions about what sustainability really means. It can be overwhelming to sift through the abundance of information and determine what is sustainable fashion and how to make ethical fashion choices. This article aims to provide key insights into how to shop more ethically and introduces some of our favorite eco-friendly fashion brands at DOORS NYC.
SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION: OUR COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL PRACTICES
At DOORS NYC, we are committed to ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. We recognize the importance of minimizing the impact of fashion on the environment, promoting fair labor practices, and offering high-quality, timeless pieces that can be cherished for years to come.
IMPORTANCE OF ETHICAL PRACTICES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
The fashion industry has long been known for its disregard for ethical practices, with fast fashion leading to overproduction and exploitation of workers. It's crucial that consumers become aware of these issues and start supporting brands that prioritize ethical practices.
THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF FAST FASHION
The drop in garment and accessories prices over the last 20 years has allowed us to buy more and more clothes, bags and shoes. We now have five times more clothes and accessories than our grandparents had. It felt great until we found out what was hiding behind this trend. In reality, this continuous accumulation of cheap garments and accessories is only possible because of a constant reduction in production costs. This, in turn, has serious consequences on our health, our planet, and garment workers' lives.
SUSTAINABLE FASHION PRACTICES
Sustainability in fashion refers to the practice of producing clothing and accessories in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This includes the use of sustainable materials, the reduction of waste and pollution throughout the supply chain, and a commitment to long-term social and environmental impact. The goal is to create a fashion industry that is more ethical, transparent, and environmentally conscious. There are a variety of sustainable fashion practices that can help mitigate the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment and promote ethical labor practices. Some of the most important practices include:
- Use of eco-friendly materials: Brands that use materials that are environmentally sustainable, such as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo, can reduce their impact on the environment.
- Use of recycled materials: Brands that use recycled materials, such as recycled plastic or fabrics made from recycled clothing, can help reduce the amount of waste generated by the fashion industry.
- Local and fair production methods: Brands that produce their clothing locally and ensure that workers are paid fairly can help ensure ethical labor practices and support local economies.
- Traceability and transparency: To truly prioritize sustainability, a brand must be transparent about its sourcing and production practices. This includes providing specific and detailed information about where the products are made and the suppliers used. Such transparency allows for greater accountability for human rights issues, working conditions, and environmental impact. Without this information, businesses cannot take responsibility for preventing disasters such as the Rana Plaza accident that occurred in 2013. This event, which was the fourth largest industrial disaster in history, underscores the importance of ensuring that working conditions in factories are safe and fair. By prioritizing traceability and transparency, companies can help prevent such tragedies from happening again.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE FASHION
At DOORS NYC, we are proud to offer a selection of eco-friendly and sustainable fashion brands. Some of our favorites include:
- TURTLEHORN: A sustainable elevated streetwear brand based in Germany that prioritizes quality and sustainability in every aspect of its production. Their pieces are timeless and designed to last, made from eco-friendly materials such as Tencel and organic cotton.
- ETÉREA: A Colombian clothing label that champions slow, sustainable fashion and creativity through playful motifs and local production methods. Their pieces are made from natural materials and crafted with care to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs.
- GREENEST: A fashion brand that promotes responsible and refined fashion while aiming to make sustainable fashion more widely accessible. They prioritize sustainability throughout their entire process, from sourcing raw materials to production and shipping. Their pieces are timeless and designed to be cherished for years to come.
We are committed to continuing to add to our selection of sustainable fashion brands and to promoting ethical practices in the fashion industry. We believe that by prioritizing fashion and sustainability, we can create a more ethical, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible fashion industry for years to come