Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

It can also be expressed in the simple terms of an economic golden rule for the restorative economy: leave the world better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or not of the environment, make amends if you do. (Paul Hawkin’s Ecology of Commerce)

How to achieve sustainability

For sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonize three core elements: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection — also known informally as profits, people, and planet.

There must be promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, and promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems. 

What makes clothing sustainable

What sets sustainable clothing apart from fast fashion is that it’s both planet-friendly and worker-friendly. Sustainable clothes are durable and suitable for many seasons. They’re often made from eco-friendly fabrics which can include reused or recycled material as well. Typically, sustainable clothing companies pay their workers a fair wage and provide good working conditions.

Shopping sustainably and use products made from eco-friendly fabrics means you are making a conscious effort to reduce waist and make less of a negative impact on Mother Nature.

What is eco-friendly

When a product or service is not harmful to the environment, it is considered eco-friendly.

Organic cotton

Organic cotton is grown naturally and sustainably, without herbicides, pesticides or any other harmful chemicals. These safe farming methods preserve the soil, conserve energy, and help to protect the health of the people in the community where the cotton is grown. It also keeps our cotton clothing free of chemicals.

Wool/Organic wool

Wool is renewable, fire-resistant and doesn’t need chemical inputs. Look for chlorine-free wool from humanely-treated animals. Organic wool is increasingly becoming available: it is produced using sustainable farming practices and without toxic sheep dips.

Hemp

As a fabric, hemp is breathable, warm, moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and can be easily blended. It’s a very durable fabric that becomes softer with washing and wear, and it’s biodegradable at the end of its life. Beyond that, the hemp plant doesn't require a lot of water, and it can produce two to three times more fiber per acre than cotton. It actually replenishes the soil it grows in rather than extracting its nutrients. All this is to say that from a sustainability perspective, hemp is the best option we have.

Soy Silk/Cashmere

Soy is not just good for your body, but it’s also good on your body. Like hemp, soy is extremely versatile in its uses. It’s an eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternative. And here’s the best part of swapping for soy: it’s machine washable and wrinkle resistant.

 Linen

Linen is made from cellulose fibers that are commonly derived from flax plants. This fabric is breathable, absorbent, antimicrobial, durable, incredibly comfortable and lightweight. The flax plant does not require much energy or water resources to produce and the entire plant used to make linen, leaving no waste footprint. Linen clothing is naturally biodegradable and recyclable.

Alpaca

Alpaca fiber has been ranked higher in sustainability than that of traditional sheep wool. It requires less processing as sheep produce fatty lanolin that has to be chemically processed out of the wool before commercial use. The fleece of the alpaca is fully renewable of course, truly eco-friendly, but Alpaca are shorn just once per year typically. Unfortunately, smaller yields, typically 2-4 kilograms of fiber per alpaca, are the price to pay for gentler treatment of the animals. This makes Alpaca fleece especially rare, but well worth the cost. 

Global Organic Textile Standard GOTS Certification

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile    processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain…”

The aim of the standard is to define world-wide recognized requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.…”

The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibers. All accessories, dyes, and other inputs must meet certain environmental and toxicological criteria 

USDA Organic Standard

Organic is the most heavily regulated and closely monitored food system in the U.S. Unlike other eco-labels, the organic label is backed by a set of rigorous federal production and processing standards. These standards require that products bearing the USDA organic label be grown and processed without the use of toxic and synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, genetic engineering, antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, sewage sludge and irradiation.  

These standards provide traceability from the farm to table, ensuring that you and your family can have confidence in the organic products you buy. 

What is Fair trade

Fair trade is a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, shoppers, advocates, and organizations putting people and planet first. At every step of the supply chain, producers are paid a living wage and work in safe, humane conditions.

Buying fair trade is a powerful way for consumers to reduce poverty through everyday shopping.

What is fair trade certification

When you see a product with the Fair Trade Certified™ seal, you can be sure it was made according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards. It certifies transactions between companies and their suppliers to ensure that the people making Fair Trade Certified goods work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities.