My freshman year, I wrote a blog post about fast fashion and the ethical and environmental concerns it poses. I had just been exposed to the issue and was shocked by the ways the industry seeks to squeeze out any unnecessary spending, to the detriment and sometimes exploitation of those who make their living off of textile work. (my original post)
In the time since that blog post was written, I have been made aware of quite a lot of positive change. There has been a push for increased transparency in the supply and manufacturing chain of products. It seems to be much more common to find information on the company’s mission and ethical standards on a brand’s webpage. Certifications like that of GOTS, Fairtrade, and B corporation are ever expanding. While there is a long way to go, but there are available alternatives for fast fashion consumption.
Where and what we purchase is one of the easiest and most powerful ways for us to direct economic change. In the case of fast fashion, that means purchasing with discretion and an eye towards the companies values. To this end, I have found a few sources that have been helpful for me:
- Good On You
- This website has a brand directory that rates clothing companies in terms of their sustainability for the planet, people, and animals.
- ThredUP
- An online consignment store and my personal favorite.
- Pact Organics
- One of my favorite stores for all things cotton.
