What is Sustainable Fashion and Why is it Important?
Do you ever wonder what happened to that shirt you bought, but then ended up disposing of because it went out of style? In India, the fashion industry manufactures large amounts of products every year but almost 80% of textile waste ends up in landfills. The fashion industry is responsible for 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, almost equal to the weight of 5000 Qutub Minars, if that ever existed! But it’s not all bad news, because sustainable fashion offers a way to reverse this damage. More than being just a trend that is followed every now and then, sustainable fashion is a concept that has a bigger impact on the fashion industry and on the environment. And it is not only about using exo friendly materials for the products, but also about making changes to the process from the start. You might be someone studying in a fashion designing institute in Bangalore, or a consumer looking to make conscious decisions, both of which require in-depth knowledge of sustainable fashion. And sustainable fashion takes the planet’s well being along with also looking into the needs of the consumers. But sustainable fashion is a concept that has only its first few layers uncovered, and this blog aims to unravel all that is about sustainable fashion. Now Let’s Understand Why is Sustainable Fashion Important The industry of Fashion plays a huge role in the consumption of massive amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. And in the current times when the world might be falling short on resources, being mindful is extremely important, be it for a producer or a consumer. But the main culprit is fast fashion. As the name suggests, fast fashion is producing cheap, disposable clothing at lightning speed, this business model encourages overconsumption and waste. Adopting the practice of sustainable fashion is the best way to tackle this issue. Promoting a shift in the mindset – from quantity to quality, you’re not just buying clothes but making an investment in pieces that last, both in terms of durability and style. And following sustainable fashion can be beneficial in more ways than one, like : Reduction in Water Waste Did you know that it takes 2,700 liters of water to produce just one cotton T-shirt? Sustainable fashion focuses on water-efficient practices, using organic materials and low-impact dyes that significantly reduce water consumption. Decreases Landfill Waste Over 92 million tons of textiles are discarded annually. Sustainable fashion addresses this by creating durable, timeless pieces that don’t end up in the trash after a season. Minimizes Carbon Emissions The fashion industry is a major polluter, contributing around 10% of global carbon emissions. Sustainable fashion uses renewable energy, low-energy processes, and locally sourced materials to drastically cut down on emissions. Promotes Recycling Many sustainable brands create clothes from recycled materials like old fabrics or even plastic bottles. This reduces waste and gives existing materials a second life instead of letting them pile up in landfills. Encourages Mindful Shopping Fast fashion thrives on impulse buying and constant trends, but sustainable fashion pushes for a mindset shift. It teaches us to ask: “Do I really need this? Will I wear this for years?” What Are The 7Rs Of Sustainable Fashion? If you’ve ever looked at your overflowing closet and felt guilty about barely wearing half of it, you’re not alone. Sustainable fashion isn’t just about the materials your clothes are made from—it’s about changing how we approach fashion as a whole. The 7 Rs of sustainable fashion offer a simple yet effective guide to reduce waste and rethink consumption. These Rs aren’t just for environmentalists; they’re for anyone who wants to make a difference, no matter how small. From reducing unnecessary purchases to repairing clothes you already own, these principles make sustainable fashion accessible and impactful. Here’s how you can apply the 7 Rs to your daily life. Reduce: Say no to impulse buys; choose fewer, better-quality items. Reuse: Extend a garment’s life by re-wearing or passing it on. Recycle: Ensure old clothes are given new life through recycling programs. Repair: Patch up holes or sew on buttons instead of discarding clothes. Repurpose: Transform items like old scarves into headbands or tote bags. Refuse: Avoid buying clothes that are wasteful, unethical, or poorly made. Rethink: Take a step back to evaluate your fashion choices, prioritizing mindful consumption Sustainable Fashion Brands in India With several brands coming into the sector of sustainable fashion, India is taking its step to be at the forefront of creating environmentally friendly clothes. Home to some of the world’s finest craftspeople and centuries-old textile techniques, India is blending traditional artistry with modern innovation to create sustainable fashion that’s both stylish and responsible. Some brands that stand in the forefront of sustainable fashion in India are : Ka-Sha: Founded by Karishma Shahani Khan, Ka-Sha emphasizes upcycling through its “Heart To Haat” project, transforming post-production waste into unique clothing, bags, and accessories. Joskai Studio: Collaborating with grassroots artisans from ethnic communities, Joskai Studio showcases unique craftsmanship and textile innovation, resulting in sustainable women’s fashion that celebrates India’s diverse heritage. Earth Republic: As a vegan fashion brand, Earth Republic utilizes plant-based fabrics like sugarcane and moss to craft eco-friendly shirts, tops, and dresses for both men and women, promoting responsible sourcing and minimal production. Asmita Marwa: Recognized by Vogue as a top up-and-coming international designer, Asmita Marwa’s label is dedicated to sustainable fashion, creating garments using ethical norms and practices that fuse traditional and global aesthetics. Rina Dhaka: A veteran in the fashion industry, Rina Dhaka incorporates sustainability into her designs by blending traditional and modern materials, emphasizing the preservation of traditional craftwork skills. No Nasties: Based in Goa, No Nasties offers 100% organic cotton clothing for men and women. Their commitment to sustainability includes fair trade practices and a focus on carbon-neutral production. Doodlage : Founded by Kriti Tula, the brand has built its identity around the philosophy of creating “zero waste” collections. By blending patchwork