The fashion industry is the second most environmentally damaging in the world. With more than 60 per cent apparels being manufactured in developing countries, it’s likely that the garments in everyday are made using extremely harmful production methods and have travelled half way across the planet in cargo ships powered by fossil fuels.
With consumers taking the implications of carbon emissions seriously, the fashion industry is realizing the importance of doing business the right way. Green and fair trade designers are utilising domestic talent and sustainable technologies are gaining traction. However, the majority of large scale fashion houses still source cheap labour from overseas and use unethical manufacturing processes.
Over 25 per cent of the world’s insecticides are used for cotton farming; one fifth of the world’s water pollution stems from fabric treatment and each year over 10.5 million tons of clothing goes straight to landfills in America. The need of the hour is to scrutinise the fashion industry just as much as one scrutinises burning of fossil fuels and cattle farming to tackle climate change effectively.
It is in this context that slow fashion is gaining ground. The term slow fashion was coined by Kate Fletcher of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, an organisation devised to question and challenge reactionary fashion cultures, which reflect and re-enforce patterns of excessive consumption and disconnection. Part of the slow fashion philosophy is to encourage consumers to purchase longer lasting items, rather than multiple cheaper items. In short, it’s about looking at the bigger picture.
Besides alleviating pressure on natural world, the slow fashion movement supports independent businesses, domestic artisans and serves as a catalyst for creativity, encouraging designers to embrace their instincts and go against the grain. Fundamentally, it’s a positive for everyone.
However, to change the industry, the general attitude of the consumers need to change first. Renowned fashion houses, such as Stella McCartney and H&M are trying to set an example by working towards creating a sustainable supply chain. And many others are following their example.
