It’s a sad reality that so many people are unaware of the damaging effects the fashion industry is having on our planet. In the past we may have heard of the unethical cheap labour and poor working conditions of those producing the garments, but unfortunately this is just the tip of the iceberg. After oil the fashion industry is the second biggest cause of pollution to our planet, with fast fashion wreaking havoc on our ecosystem.
For this reason buzzwords like ‘sustainable’, ‘green’ and ‘eco-friendly’ have increasingly found their way into our vocabulary. We are becoming more aware of the negative impact we are having on the world around us, which has led to a wave of pro-environmental behaviour. And as more people jump on the bandwagon and try to reduce their footprint, big name brands are having to do their bit too – and this includes the fashion industry.
So if you want to make a positive change, simply being more aware of the clothes you’re buying and actively seeking out responsible brands can make a real difference. And this doesn’t mean having to find niche shops down the deepest darkest lanes of Brighton city. A number of highstreet brands have begun to make positive changes. Not sure where to look? Below is a list of nine green fashion labels to look out for next time you’re shopping in store and online.
What constitutes a ‘green’ fashion label?
Firstly, let’s just take a quick look at what actually constitutes a green fashion label and what brands are doing to reduce their impact on the planet. Right now it seems like a distant dream that fashion can become completely sustainable, but by paying more for local products, creating garments that will last longer, reducing waste, choosing plant based materials and reducing the use of chemicals, a number of brands are taking steps in the right direction. Those taking these positive steps have been deemed ‘green’ labels and these are who you need to be looking out for.
- Levi’s
This famous denim brand is hoping to cut its carbon footprint by almost half (around 40%) by the year 2025. A lot of water is used during the production of their denim clothing, so Levi’s worked hard to save more than three billion litres of water last year and also recycled more than two billion litres. Not to mention that the brand make strong, high quality items that last for years, so you don’t have to replace them very often.
- Allbirds
You might have already heard of this brand as they recently opened their first UK store in Covent Gardens. Creating what has been described as ‘the world’s comfiest footwear’ Allbirds uses only sustainable materials such as wool, eucalyptus trees and even sugarcane to make its shoes. They have already sold over one million pairs in the US.
- Reformation
Made from sustainable fabrics, recycled vintage clothing and old stock materials, this environmentally friendly brand has been worn by big names like model Emily Ratajkowski. Thanks to its success and the increasing number of people who want to do their bit for the planet, they have even branched out to create their own plus-size range.
- H&M
Back in 2013 H&M started taking positive steps towards sustainability by introducing a recycling scheme in store. Customers can hand in their unwanted clothes and materials, whether these are from H&M or not, in exchange for a voucher to spend in store. They also have their own Conscious Exclusive range which they launch annually, which is made up of environmentally friendly clothes.
- People Tree
One of the originals, People Tree realised that creating sustainable and eco-friendly fashion was important way before it became such a big trend. The brand has been going for almost three decades and produces a range of products which they describe as ‘sustainable and fair trade fashion’.
- Alternative Apparel
It’s hard to know where to even begin when it comes to Alternative Apparel. This brand creates eco-friendly and ethical clothing, focusing on stylish basics for both men and women. Their products are made with sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles. Not only this, but they’ve also put additional thought into the process of making these clothes, choosing non-toxic and low impact dye, as well as washes that conserve water.
And if that wasn’t enough for you, they’ve taken their brand to the next level by using only eco-friendly packing for their clothes. Annually their efforts save 2,100 trees, over 860,000 gallons of water, 120 tonnes of Co2 and as much as 400 cubic yards of space in a landfill. Pretty impressive right!
- Finisterre
For those who are concerned about plastic pollution and the terrible state of our oceans, this one’s for you. Cornwall-based Finisterre takes inspiration from the sea as well as contributing 10% of it’s profits to clean up initiatives like ‘Surfers Against Sewage’. Their products range from dungarees to swimwear and are made from waste materials such as disagreed fishing nets. Not only this, but each garment is designed to be durable so they last for longer. Their surfer aesthetics are aimed at those who love to be by the sea and want to do their bit for our oceans.
- Zara
Much like H&M, Zara also created their own environmentally friendly range back in 2016 which they call the ‘Join Life’ initiative. Not only this, but the company has set itself the very big goal of no longer sending anything from its headquarters, logistics centres, shops or factories to a landfill. They hope to achieve this by 2020.
- Matt & Nat
Championing the way for sustainable and cruelty-free fashion, Matt & Nat uses only 100% vegan and completely sustainable materials for its products. In fact, Matt & Nat actually stands for ‘Materials and Nature’ and their quirky, eco-friendly clothes and accessories are made from materials such as recycled plastic bottles, vegan leather and recycled cork.
Written by Jamie Rose, owner of MAHI Leather, a brand that uses ethically sourced leather and donates $1.50 of every sale they make to FRANK Water.
