Did you know that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions? That’s why more fashion brands are making the shift to sustainable fashion.
The ongoing pandemic has really fueled more people’s consciousness of sustainability. As per global think tank McKinsey, 67% of shoppers take into consideration the use of sustainable materials when buying clothes, while 63% also look at the way a brand promotes sustainability.Â
The problem is that only a third of people are willing to pay the price of sustainability, another report showed. The fact of the matter is that unless you’re buying vintage or second-hand, sustainable fashion items usually come with a hefty price tag. Why though?
Forbes Magazine explained that sustainable fashion doesn’t just mean using the cleanest fabrics or materials. These pieces are made to last in your closet for a long time. The manufacturer has measures in place in order to limit the amount of waste fabric in production and is aware of the impact they have on the environment. All these factors put together can cost a lot for fashion companies. Hence, the price trickles down to consumers.Â
But there’s hope. According to British Vogue, eco-friendly fashion choices often come at a premium price tag because the demand isn’t high enough yet. As [new] innovations become more mainstream, [this] drives the prices down. There’s a shift that has to happen,” Brittany Burns, director at the non-profit organization Fashion for Good said.Â
Consumer demand will drive more fashion companies to sell sustainable pieces at a more affordable price. While their price tags will still be pricier than fast fashion hauls, the long-term effects they will have on the environment and the people who make them will be worth it after all. Doesn’t that make you want to go shopping?
