Fast Fashion definition: inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends
We all know the thrill of spotting a bargain – that fabulous-looking shirt or jacket that is dirt cheap. Without thinking we reach for it, our brain mentally scanning our wardrobe for matching accessories. We check the price tag again (can it really be that cheap?) before we remember that no, it can’t be. Someone, somewhere is paying the price. We place it back on the rack.
“If these garments cost so little, chances are the factories where they’re made are filled with child labourers and the dyes used to make those bright jeans are flowing into their drinking water.” https://donegood.co/blog/cheap-clothes-cost-a-lot
But it can be hard to shop for ‘slow fashion’. First of all, how do we know which products are eco-friendly/ ethically make? And if they are, how can we afford them?
Regarding the cost, the quality of earth-friendly, sustainable clothing is superior to fast fashion so it’s going to last longer. We’ll need to make far fewer purchases. Most of us have been socialized into believing we need to constantly upgrade our wardrobe, but is that true? What is the cost to the planet when we perpetuate that attitude? Fewer quality-made articles will cost about the same and last us much longer, especially if we buy classic styles.
wearandsmile.com
The tougher question is where to shop for sustainable clothing. You definitely have to do some research.
I recently stumbled across this wonderful company – DoneGood -that helps you find unique, high quality products that are good for people and the planet.
“Good for people means empowering workers, paying fair wages free of trafficking or child labour and unsafe working conditions.
“Good for the planet means using eco-friendly producing processes, using non-toxic, organic and/or recycled or upcycledmaterials and taking other significant steps to keeping the land, air and water clean.”
Another company I’ve discovered is Good On You which also promotes eco-friendly, ethically made clothing. They have an app, which, I believe, you use to determine whether the brand you are thinking of purchasing is actually sustainable. Their website also has some interesting info about some common brands, i.e. Lululemon, which they rate as ‘not good enough’. I haven’t had a chance to use the app yet, but it looks promising.
For us Canadians, here’s a clothing company from Vancouver Island: https://saltsandwest.com
And a Vancouver-based one: https://www.movementglobal.com
A Toronto-based one: https://www.encircled.ca or https://mattandnat.com/en_ca/our-story
Here’s an American one. https://majamas.com
Do you have a favourite company that promotes sustainable eco-friendly shopping? Please share!
