The term "ethical fashion" has been around for several years, with many resources and brands overseas making ethical fashion a core value. However, in Taiwan, it's almost impossible to find clothes, shoes, or bags that are ethically produced.
So, what exactly is ethical fashion?
If you haven't heard of ethical fashion or the related terms like sustainable fashion, slow fashion, etc., here's a brief explanation:
- Ethical Fashion: Production involves fair wages, reasonable working conditions, and labor rights for all workers, avoiding sweatshops.
- Sustainable Fashion: Emphasizes environmental conservation and uses sustainable materials, minimizing water usage, energy waste, and pollution from toxic chemicals.
- Slow Fashion: Unlike fast fashion, it doesn't mass-produce every season, focusing on timeless designs.
- Vegan Fashion: Prioritizes animal rights, avoiding animal-derived materials like leather, fur, and wool.
Ethical fashion's definition can be broad, encompassing sustainability and animal rights alongside labor rights.
Who Makes Our Clothes?
On April 24th, Fashion Revolution Day commemorates the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, which killed 1,134 people and injured 2,500, mostly women. This tragedy sparked the Fashion Revolution movement, marked by the #whomademyclothes tag, demanding transparency in clothing production lines.
Consumers' growing concern for ethical fashion reflects in the industry's acceptance of brands with ethical values, leading to increased transparency in fashion supply chains. However, many top international fashion brands still lack transparency in their supply chains, especially regarding raw materials like cotton, a product often associated with modern slavery.
Taking Action to Support Ethical Fashion
You might already view clothes shopping differently, considering ethical factors. However, before impulsively discarding wearable clothes, remember that it only creates fabric waste. Nearly 100% of textiles are recyclable.
Here's how you can support ethical fashion:
- Purchase from Ethical Brands: Research brands' backgrounds before buying. Tools like the Good On You app rate brands based on their ethical practices.
- Fair Trade Certification: Look for Fair Trade Certified brands, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
- Demand Transparency: Encourage your favorite brands to disclose their supply chain information.
Remember, while ethical fashion brands may be pricier, shifting from fast fashion habits and investing in quality, ethical pieces is worthwhile.
