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So you’re starting out on your sustainable fashion journey. Congratulations! This is a big step. You are now committing to a lifestyle change that is not only good for the planet but also will make you feel good about yourself. We all need a way to feel like we are doing something to help, especially right now when everything feels surreal. A good way to start is to look at labels and certifications that are put on products.
Which Labels and Certificates Should I Look For?
There are many different kinds of labels. Products that are allowed to use these labels go through rigorous national and international industry standards. (See a list of sustainability certificates that APART recognizes here.) Unfortunately, despite all of these standards and many many more that are not listed here, what classifies as ethical is totally subjective. It really depends on laws and on you, the consumer. Having some of these tools in your toolbox though is a great place to start!
Ethically Sourced
There is nothing better than lying on 300 thread count bed sheets. No, that’s wrong. There is nothing better than lying on ethically sourced 300 thread count bed sheets. Usually this means that the fibres used in these sheets are organic, are sustainable, and have a low impact on the environment because of the way that they were farmed and then manufactured.
Basically the cotton that goes in the sheets was grown using manure and not fertilizer, kind of gross, I know but also kind of cool? Anyway, this kind of cotton is healthier, stronger, better quality fibre. Some of these labels are Fairtrade Cotton Standard, Better Cotton Initiative, and Organic Content Standard.
Usually this means that the fibres used in these sheets are organic, are sustainable, and have a low impact on the environment because of the way that they were farmed and then manufactured.
The Fair Trade Movement
The fair trade movement generally means that the products are made by local artisans. These products are manufactured in transparency, wages are allocated appropriately, and the sale of these products doesn’t hurt or take away from opportunities for local communities that make them. You may have heard of fair trade when buying coffee or chocolate especially. Some of the most visible labels to look out for when considering fair trade are Fairtrade Certified Textiles, Fair Trade USA, and World Fair Trade Organization.
Responsible Jewellery
The mining of metals and gemstones is mostly done in poor countries, and if you have seen the movie “Blood Diamond” with the gorgeous and environmentally passionate Leo Dicaprio, you would know that the mining industry is no bueno when it comes to environmental degradation and exploitation of local people for cheap. Two labels to look out for when buying jewellery are the Signet Responsible Sourcing (SCS) audit, and the Responsible Jewellery Council logo. There has been some criticism surrounding the lack of transparency of supply chains, and there can be a lot of work to still do when it comes to shiny things like jewellery but this is a good start.
Leather and wool can be ethically sourced too. It’s sort of the same concept behind free range chickens that live in a cute idyllic farm.
Ethically Sourced Leather and Wool
Leather and wool can be ethically sourced too. It’s sort of the same concept behind free range chickens that live in a cute idyllic farm. These animals are treated well, are not abused, and the products you get from them, be it their skin or something that grows back like wool is sourced by causing the least amount of trauma to the animal. If you wanna be perfect you could go vegan, but by buying ethically sourced wool and leather you are actually supporting local farmers and communities that have relied on this source of income for generations. Watch out for the logos of The Leather Working Group, and The Responsible Wool Standard.