How Sustainability is Changing Lives
It is not a secret that the world is plagued by multiple issues in contemporary times. Global temperatures are rising and are expected to continue rising to 4.8 degrees celsius by the end of the century. 1 billion humans do not have access to clean water, and 795 million children are malnourished or do not have enough food. 72 million children lack education and there is a tremendous wealth disparity between developing and developed countries. These incidents seem isolated and individual, each requiring their own solution and strategic focus. However, there is one solution that can help make an impact in multiple fields, sustainable fashion.
The process of making clothes not only encompasses multiple facets, from labor to extraction of raw materials, but the traditional way of textile manufacturing fails in that it creates waste and uses unethical practices for labor and resource extraction. Sustainable fashion however not only eliminates greatly the amount of fabric waste created but it also ensures that labor workers are given fair wages and are working in acceptable conditions. Therefore not only tackling the environmental faults of the fashion industry but also raising the standard for weavers and other workers helping create pieces.
Empowering Artisans
In a world where hyperglobalization has taken a foothold in almost all corners of the world, it is imperative that brands stick out and are unique. This is especially true for sustainable brands who are already at a disadvantage by not being the “mainstream”. But sustainable brands practices are dual in nature. By working with artisans sustainable fashion brands successfully help the eco-friendly clothing movement but according to Fashionista, brands want to work with these individuals in order to tell stories and empower these artisans. Brands like Siblings Army empower women artisans from Peru as regarding them as “ living proof of traditional heritage” and working with them to handcraft all their pieces. Shoe brands like Marita Moreno and Alterre do the same, while also allowing workers to move into management and receive training and qualification free of charge.
Giving Back
While some brands are diligant about empowering those artists they work with many give back to communities and charities that are local or marginalized. Alterre gives back Restore NYC, which provides long term rehabilitation for victims of sex traffiking in New York City. Another example is Elvis and Kresse who give 50% of their fire hose collection to the firefighter charity and have repurposed 175 tons of leather into their beautiful products.
Good for the Environment, Good for People
It's evident that sustainable brands not only help the environment through reducing waste, but by partnering with artisans they are able to provide local communities with the tools and education needed to uplift themselves and become entrepreneurs in their own right. These tools not only improve living situation but can become a cycle of continuous feedback into their own community thus impacting others.
