COURTESY OF TRIUNE

Earth day can be a time for us all to consider how our habits are affecting the earth, we can look at fast-fashion and our shopping behavior as an example of this. 

The fashion industry contributes an estimated 8% of global carbon emissions, resulting in a multitude of environmental damages. The impact of fast-fashion and unethical production methods leads to water and air pollution due to dyeing and finishing processes which are often powered from coal energy plants. Furthermore, the textile industry primarily utilizes polyester, a fibre most often made using fossil fuels.

COURTESY OF CHERESHNIVSKA

Other environmental damages include microplastic contamination and deforestation. Due to over-production and customer consumption an estimated — and incredibly striking — 92 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfill each year. This is driven by the trend-propelled attitude towards clothing consumption and the ‘wear-once’ attitude of so many shoppers. Consumers are opting for affordable yet poor-quality, unethically-made clothing more often than not.

Now more than ever is the time to consider how we can change our habits and behaviours towards clothing consumption and wear. When it comes to adapting our fashion habits to be more eco-friendly there are many small yet impactful changes we can all make. This can begin with shopping more mindfully and slowly (read more here: ‘Purchasing with Purpose’) and ensuring we are buying from brands that focus on ethical production. 

COURTESY OF AMINA GALAL

A great alternative to buying first-hand is shopping from vintage or charity shops. This is a wonderful way to give a piece of clothing a new home without contributing to fast-fashion production. Since the production of polyester contributes to air-pollution, opting for clothing that is made from recycled materials, cotton, or plant-based fibres is a simple change that can reduce carbon emissions but also supports companies that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Furthermore, rather than throwing away clothes you no longer want, recycling or rehoming them will reduce your contribution to landfill and environmental contamination. Additionally, invest in pieces that will stay in your wardrobe for a long time, rather than something trendy you are likely to discard in a few months.

COURTESY OF ERIKA JANAVI

Whilst we can use earth day as an opportunity to hold up a mirror to society and to the damage the fashion industry is inflicting on the ecosystem, we can also use it as an opportunity to celebrate the positive changes being made in fashion and acknowledge those who are paving the way for a better planet. At Not Just a Label we promote sustainable design and ethical production practices that do not harm the earth. As a platform we aim to demonstrate the importance of fashion that is crafted ethically and support designers that utilise eco-friendly and zero-waste methodologies.

Many of our designers prioritise sustainability in their practice and are paving the way for the future of fashion. By placing sustainability and ethical manufacturing at the forefront of their work, our designers are investing their time and creativity to develop unique collections that have a positive impact on not only the fashion industry but the planet too.

COURTESY OF YUE QING WEI

It is fascinating and inspiring to discover the ingenious ways that today's designers are adapting their processes and materials to produce less waste and reduce carbon footprint.

For example, many of the designers featured on Not Just a Label produce garments and accessories by hand, therefore reducing the need for machine manufacturing. These hand-crafting processes are often much more eco-friendly and result in higher quality, more ethically-made pieces.

Another innovative design methodology that some of our designers utilize is 3D-printing technology, which is one of the most effective developments towards a more sustainable production climate. When 3D-printing, only the required amount of fabric is used, thereforedrastically minimising the number of offcuts and discarded materials. This is a revolutionary technique that is reshaping the ways in which designers can produce patterns and garments without the need for overproduction and waste.

COURTESY OF JULIA KOERNER

Furthermore, many of our designers are experimenting with recycled and natural materials — often reconstructing various materials and re-using fibres that would otherwise be wasted. For example, giving leftover leathers a new life rather than sending them to landfill or upcycling vintage, deadstock fabrics and transforming them into something entirely new.

Our designers are harnessing their creativity and talent to think positively about how fashion can develop and grow without harming the earth.

This Earth Day, take some time to analyse your fashion habits and maybe use it as an opportunity to reconsider how and where you are shopping. Together we can make steps from fast-fashion towards earth-friendly fashion.

This feature is written by Lucy Marshall, founder of The Wardrobe Collective, in collaboration with Not Just A Label. All credited imagery featured within this piece showcases the work of Not Just A Label designers, highlighting their innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication to independent fashion.