Environmental sustainability refers to preserving our environment and natural resources. In the apparel industry, this may include lowering water consumption to make fabric, refraining from usage of non-toxic dyes, using energy-efficient appliances in factories, or recycling textiles and eliminating packaging waste to lower our carbon footprint.
Social sustainability refers to meeting the needs of not only a business's employees but also supporting the ability of future generations to maintain a healthy community. This pillar encompasses human rights, corporate governance, fair wages, maternity and paternity benefits, safe work environments, and development opportunities for employees. It also includes ways to give back and invest in its local community. These three pillars are interdependent on one another. For instance, if a company minimizes packaging waste, their supplies may cost less, thus boosting the business's profitability and economic sustainability. Reinventing processes in the $2.5 trillion fashion industry doesn't come quickly or easily, but many companies are making strides to improve their social and environmental impact while balancing economic sustainability. H&M is focused on paying fair wages and creating eco-conscious fabrics. Fun fact: In the Netherlands, H&M teamed up with Fietskoeriers.nl, a company that delivers packages via bicycle, to decrease carbon dioxide emissions. What a wheely great way to break the cycle! Madewell is focused on certified fair trade factories, repurposing clothing, and equal pay for women. I mean I’m not sure why we ever got paid less just because we have organs responsible for creating - you know - JUST THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE, but let’s applaud those trying to fix it. Do well tip: Take your old jeans into a Madewell store to get $20 off new jeans (even jeans on sale). The company will repurpose your pre-loved denim as housing insulation for organizations like Habitat for Humanity. DL1961 has completely reinvented how they make their denim, using biodegradable fibers, drastically reducing water usage, and eliminating chemical abrasives. Get this: The average pair of jeans uses approximately 1500 gallons of water in production. Insane, right? DL1961 has watered this down (literally) to a mere 8 gallons per pair of jeans. Some ways that you can help support sustainable efforts (whether you're a boomer or not) are to shop brands that are making a difference for our planet and communities, take along reusable bags when shopping, and donate your pre-loved clothing.
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