By: Gladys Essuman, Bsc. Earth Science – Volunteer

The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest polluters, contributing significantly to environmental degradation and waste (Niinimäki et al., 2016). But there’s hope. Sustainable fashion is gaining traction, and it’s about time we dived into what makes it tick. Let’s break it down into four key areas: eco-friendly fabrics, local sustainable fashion brands, fast fashion’s environmental impact, and tips for making sustainable fashion choices.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Eco-friendly fabrics are made from materials that have a lower environmental impact, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and plant-based materials like hemp and bamboo (Shen et al., 2015). Take, for example, the story of Ayana, a Ghanaian designer who switched to using organic cotton for her brand, Ayana Couture. “It was a game-changer,” she says. “Not only did it reduce our environmental footprint, but our customers loved the quality and feel of the fabric.” Brands like Christie Brown are also incorporating these materials into their collections, reducing the industry’s reliance on resource-intensive fabrics like conventional cotton and synthetic materials.

Local, Sustainable Fashion Brands

Ghana is home to several local, sustainable fashion brands that are making waves in the industry. Take The Chalet, a brand that uses traditional techniques and materials to create unique, eco-friendly pieces. Founder Nana Akua explains, “We wanted to showcase Ghanaian culture while promoting sustainable fashion. Our designs are inspired by our heritage, and we use locally sourced materials whenever possible.” Other brands like Pistil Africa are also leading the way, using recycled materials and promoting slow fashion practices.

Fast Fashion’s Environmental Impact

Fast fashion’s “take, make, dispose” approach has devastating environmental consequences, from water pollution to textile waste (Bianchi & Bocken, 2015). The story of Accra’s Kantamanto Market is a stark reminder of the issue. The market, which sells second-hand clothing, generates over 55 tonnes of waste per day, with much of it ending up in landfills or oceans (Hansen, 2018). The rapid production and consumption of cheap, trendy clothing contribute to the industry’s massive carbon footprint and waste generation. Ghana’s own second-hand clothing market, while providing affordable options, also contributes to waste and stifles local textile industries (Brooks & Simon, 2012).

Tips for Sustainable Fashion Choices

So, how can you make sustainable fashion choices? Start by buying second-hand, investing in quality pieces, and supporting local, eco-friendly brands (Gwozdz et al., 2017). Kofi, a Ghanaian fashion enthusiast, shares his approach: “I love thrifting and upcycling old clothes. It’s not only budget-friendly, but it’s also a great way to reduce waste.” You can also adopt practices like clothing swaps, repairing your clothes to extend their lifespan, and avoiding single-wear items. Every small change counts, and collective action can lead to significant positive change in the fashion industry.

Contribution to Environmental Sustainability and Advocacy

Sustainable fashion contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Organisations like Green Ad Ghana are advocating for sustainable fashion practices and encouraging consumers to make conscious choices. By choosing sustainable fashion, you’re supporting a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible fashion industry.

In conclusion, sustainable fashion is not just a trend; it’s a movement. By making conscious choices and supporting eco-friendly brands, we can reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact and create a more sustainable future. Let’s stitch a greener future together.

Join the sustainable fashion movement! Support local, eco-friendly brands, and make conscious choices in your fashion consumption. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for fashion.

References:

Bianchi, C., & Bocken, N. (2015). Towards sustainable business models for sustainability in fashion: A review of the literature. Journal of Cleaner Production, 107, 1-11.

Brooks, A., & Simon, D. (2012). Unravelling the relationships between used-clothing imports and the decline of African clothing industries. Development and Change, 43(6), 1265-1287.

Gwozdz, W., Müller, M., & Schramm, M. (2017). Fashion consciousness and the intention to buy sustainable fashion products. Sustainability, 9(10), 1771.

Hansen, K. T. (2018). Kantamanto: The Secret Life of Secondhand Clothing in Ghana. Journal of Fashion Studies, 1(1), 1-15.

Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T., & Gwilt, A. (2016). The environmental price of fast fashion. Nature, 531(7595), 422-424.

Shen, B., Wang, Y., Lo, C. K., & Shum, M. (2015). The impact of ethical fashion on consumer purchase behaviour. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 19(2), 141-156.