6 Easy Ways You Can Support Ethical Fashion

You don’t have to be a designer or a business owner to make a change in the world. Every individual has the opportunity to make a stand against fashion that is harmful. And it is simple, I promise. Below are 6 easy ways to support ethical fashion. Even if you only do one item below, you are making a difference!

1. Read labels: Chances are very high that if the label says, “Made in China” it was not made ethically. Before you make a purchase, read the company’s website and social media pages. Do they support fair wages, safe working conditions and environmental sustainability? If they don’t talk about their ethical practices, they probably don’t have anything to be proud of. If the products are made in the United States or fair trade then chances are very high that the producers are receiving a fair wage with safe working conditions. This handy website: Free 2 Work rates the social and environmental impact of many major brands. Be careful though some companies may have an “A” rating, but if you look closely at their scorecard, they don’t pay fair wages.
2. Say no to Walmart: I know that it is very hard to live a life 100% dedicated to fair trade or made in the USA products, because there is not yet enough availability of these products, but there are certain stores that should be avoided, and Walmart is among the worst on my list.
3. Buy fair trade, eco or ethical fashion: Today, there is a growing number of fashionable and affordable ethical brands. Check out this guide of social good companies.
4. Buy locally made. Fair trade is wonderful, but it is also important to support your neighbor and your local community.
5. Say no to fast fashion. Buy less, and invest more in well-made items. Fast fashion creates a huge amount of textile wastage, because garments are tossed out and trashed before they have lived their proper life cycle.
6. Recycle: Shop at thrift stores, consignment stores and re-purpose old items when you can. It’s the age of DIY, so there is no excuse if you don’t think you are creative enough, just Google it!