Want To Know More About Shopping Ethically? Here’s The Fizzy Mag Guide
With Important Things To Look Out For
Sustainability in fashion has gained attention in the past years, a point that is often overlooked though it is ethical fashion (yes there’s a difference, and don't worry we’ll get to it!). Shopping ethically has always been important but in a time where consumerism should’ve slowed down, it’s even more important to consider. On social media, it looks like everyone is putting their extra time and money during lockdowns towards online shopping.
While many of us have the privilege of being able to work from home and practice social distancing, it’s important to consider those workers who are manufacturing, packing and delivering the clothes, they may not have access or protective gear or the workplace may not be practicing social distancing. Whether it’s a dress to look forward to your first night out or a pair of sweatpants to lounge around the house, chances are it’s an unnecessary impulse buy.
With so many brands each chasing the ever-changing fashion trends and churning out different products every week, it can be hard to gain transparency and know if the purchase you’re making is an ethical one. Ethical shopping can be summed up in basic form as seeking out companies with consideration for the impact their business has on the world and on people, as well as choosing brands that treat their employees, at all stages from manufacturing to sales fairly through their pay and working conditions. Read ahead for our guide on shopping ethically.
Differentiating Between Sustainable And Ethical
The sustainability of a brand is much easier to recognize because chances are they will be more open about it due to the rise in consumers caring about sustainability. A "sustainable” brand will have a focus on a reduction in their usage of chemicals and water during production as well as their carbon footprint. While this is positive for the planet, they may not be acting ethically with their people. This could be in terms of workers’ pay and safety, also being transparent in their practices. If you’re unsure about a brand's ethics you’re in luck, the internet can provide a range of answers. Start at the brands' own site, check their About page, their FAQ’s. More information is better, but the best thing a brand can have? Read on…
Officiality Matters
More important than an abundance of information is official seals, these matters because the organizations that award them have super-intense processes that the brands have to pass in order to gain the seals. The highest seal a brand can gain is B Corp, it scores a company's impact on around 200 points in relation to their workers, customers, and the environment.
Ask The Questions
If you can’t find the information that you’re looking for then ask the brand directly. Drop them a private message on their social media or contact their customer services, and if you don’t get an answer then don’t be afraid to @ the brand publicly. If they’re going to operate in the public eye then they have to be prepared for questions and often applying the pressure will help bring about change.
Baby Steps Are Most Important
Whilst you may not be reading to fully abandon fast fashion it’s the small steps that can lead to big changes. Educating yourself is the first thing to do, being more considerate when you are making purchases. If you’re ready to only shop ethically, you may be stuck on where you can shop once you’ve abandoned all fast fashion brands. We recommend shopping small, whether you buy locally, secondhand or from smaller labels, it’s a great place to start.
Next up, Is The Fashion Industry Spending Enough On Their Sustainability Efforts?
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