In 2024, people are leaning into more eco-friendly fashion choices since they become aware of the effects that the fashion industry is causing environmentally.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water and contributes around 10% of worldwide carbon emissions.
The trend of green fashion became popular in the 2000s when Hollywood actresses like Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Emma Watson, and many others began re-wearing and upcycling dresses for various occasions. However, the trend actually started in the 1960s and 1970s.
This environmental movement in fashion does not only entail practices from consumers, but it starts with clothing manufacturers. The term “sustainable fashion” is used as a broader term for the efforts the fashion industry is making for reducing their impact on the environment.
Here are a few eco-friendly fashion trends to try out:
1. Ethical And Fair-Trade Fashion
Sustainable fashion is not just about wearing products and doing activities that are eco-friendly. Part of this trend is achieving ethical and fair-trade fashion. Ethical fashion goes beyond style to include fair labor methods, sustainability, and social responsibility to artists and communities by maintaining skills and promoting sustainable practices.
2. Eco-Friendly And Green Fashion
Fashion companies are taking another step by transitioning to eco-friendly materials. Green fashion companies are advocating for the replacement of plastics with innovative, biodegradable, and natural fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, mushroom leather, and kelp leather, instead of polyesters, acrylics, nylon, and other synthetic materials.
3. Vegan And Cruelty-Free Fashion
Apart from swapping synthetic materials to organic ones, some brands try to incorporate vegan and cruelty-free fashion items in their style selection. This fashion trend refers to products created without the use of animal-derived materials or a product and its contents have not been tested on animals.
4. Thrifting
One of the easiest ways of participating in a sustainable fashion trend is through thrifting. You can either donate your clothes that you do not wear anymore, or you can purchase used clothing instead of buying a new one. You can always find clothes still in good condition in thrift stores, and you would not only save money, but you can also promote sustainability.
5. Capsule Wardrobe
Another way to save money while participating in the sustainable fashion trend is by curating a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched in various ways, containing everything you would typically need to wear. You can achieve this by refraining from purchasing clothes you don’t need and investing in versatile pieces you know you’ll wear frequently and in different settings.
6. Slow Fashion And Minimalism
Slow fashion and minimalism encourage consumers to prioritize quality over quantity, and urges them to be mindful and sustainable when it comes to shopping for clothing. Slow fashion promotes investing in timeless and long-lasting goods, eliminating the need for frequent purchases and limiting waste.
7. Circular Economy and Upcycling
Last on this list is upcycling, which is a key aspect of the circular economy. The circular economy focuses on decreasing waste and extending product life. Converting old or abandoned clothing into new and beneficial products is a way to lengthen the use of fabrics from garments. You can either transform those materials into new clothes or use them to create different items.
Being mindful of the impacts the fashion industry has on the environment can be a step toward change that will benefit everyone in the future.
