Time is passing, and steps taken to manage resources are proving insufficient. As the global population grows, consumption increases alongside it. While we all aim to reduce plastic use and shrink our carbon footprint, how successful are we in these efforts? Recent reports suggest that the future of our planet is far from bright. This is why the concept of sustainability has become crucial for the future of our world.
What is Sustainability?
According to Scott Campbell, sustainability refers to a system’s ability to regenerate itself repeatedly. Derived from the Latin word “sustinere,” it means to maintain, sustain, or endure. This concept is often linked to the ecosystem. With limited natural resources, rapid population growth, and everyone’s right to meet their own needs, sustainability has become indispensable for a livable world.
Sustainability is particularly emphasized to prevent the depletion of fundamental resources and is divided into ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Today, our focus is on one specific area: Sustainable Fashion.
Sustainable Fashion
The fashion industry is built on the premise of ever-changing trends. Each year, season, or even month brings a wave of popular pieces that are discarded once their popularity wanes. This constant shift, coupled with overproduction, has turned the world into a “clothing landfill.” Activities driven by aesthetic concerns—such as looking attractive, being creative, seeking attention, or displaying social status—are increasingly criticized for endangering the environment.
A Brief History of the Textile Industry
Before diving into sustainable fashion, let’s take a quick look at the evolution of the textile industry:
• 1733: John Kay invented the flying shuttle, speeding up fabric production.
• Synthetic Fibers: Reduced costs and increased diversity in textiles.
• 1846: Elias Howe invented the sewing machine, ushering in mass production.
• 1850: William Perkin discovered aniline dye, introducing synthetic colors to textiles.
These developments fueled the rapid growth of the textile industry, which eventually became one of the most environmentally harmful sectors due to its extensive use of chemicals, dyes, and bleaches.
In response, a movement emerged among people who rejected excessive consumption and the cycle of ever-changing trends: Sustainable Fashion.
Sustainable fashion in the textile industry focuses on avoiding harmful chemicals and prioritizing recyclable fabrics. The term gained traction in the 1990s alongside the rise of “ecological textiles.” This concept emphasizes designing production processes that prioritize environmental preservation.
By the 2000s, major brands had begun exploring sustainable practices, discussing solutions at fashion weeks, and integrating these principles into their operations. Sustainable fashion became a matter of prestige, with brands dedicating marketing budgets to showcase their eco-conscious side to customers.
Sustainable Practices in Fashion
When viewed from a production perspective, materials like organic hemp and linen align with sustainability, while polyester, viscose, and nylon threaten the environment.
Environmentally conscious brands carefully monitor every stage of a product’s lifecycle—from manufacturing to delivery, packaging, and waste management. This includes limiting waste, avoiding toxic substances, and using eco-friendly printing and bleaching methods.
Some brands only dedicate a single collection to sustainability for prestige, while others structure their entire production process around these principles. The number of such brands is growing steadily.
Brands Embracing Sustainable Fashion
Here are some brands integrating sustainable fashion into their ethos. You might already own pieces from them, contributing to sustainability without even realizing it:
• Puma
• Nike
• Chanel
• Levi’s
• Mavi
• Prada
• H&M
• Banana Republic
Other practices like clothing swaps, donation bins, and repurposing used items for new designs also support sustainability.
Steps Toward Sustainable Fashion
For the textile industry to fully embrace sustainability, certain measures are necessary:
• Prioritize organic fabrics over chemically intensive materials.
• Assess and minimize the environmental impact of products from production to customer delivery.
• Support sustainable agriculture through governmental initiatives.
• Promote recycling to reprocess and reuse existing materials.
By adopting these and similar practices, integrating sustainability into fashion and textiles becomes achievable. Everyone—whether consumer, brand, or government—has a role to play. Simple yet effective steps by consumers can significantly reduce environmental harm, paving the way for a greener future.