There’s a growing list of environmental and social challenges facing the fashion industry. Whether we’re talking about the custom-fittings of haute couture, fast fashion on social media, or back-to-school shopping for the kiddos, traditional fashion has a dirty stain that we want to start addressing.
Environmental degradation, unfair labor practices, water pollution, excessive waste, and carbon emissions are all responsible for traditional fashion’s notoriety, and for good reason. These are serious problems that have contributed greatly to global climate change, and if we want to thrive in the coming decades, not just as a society but as individuals, we must pay more attention to how we make, use, buy, and discard our clothing. Prohto is dedicated to supporting this mission by putting sustainable clothing and ethical brands at the fingertips of people everywhere. But before we dive into the deep end, we want to expand on why people should care to buy sustainable clothing. Read on.
Eco-Friendly Materials
At the heart of sustainable clothing is a commitment to eco-friendly materials, which typically fall into two categories. The first is natural materials such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, Tencel, and soy-based fabrics. There are also organic and recycled versions for these fabrics, which come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Many of these materials can have less resource-intensive processes, have minimal environmental impact, and can biodegrade or be recycled. Care must be given by manufacturers and consumers to ensure responsible processes are used for these materials, otherwise, they can end up being just as harmful as traditional materials. The second category is recycled/upcycled garments, which repurpose existing materials, and largely focus on non-sustainable fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex (Lycra). The biggest difference between these two categories is that the latter does not involve sourcing virgin materials, opting instead to use what has already been manufactured.
Sustainable fashion champions organic fabrics and recycled materials. Organic cotton, for instance, is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing harm to ecosystems, and promoting soil health. Meanwhile, recycled polyester and other upcycled materials help alleviate the burden on natural resources by using what is already existing. Choosing to use clothing made from these materials not only reduces the industry’s environmental impact but also drives demand for alternative, sustainable production methods.
Fair Labor Practices
Ethical considerations are another cornerstone of sustainable clothing. The traditional fashion supply is rife with labor exploitation, with many workers facing poor working conditions and inadequate pay. Sustainable clothing and ethical fashion seek to rectify this by emphasizing fair labor practices. This means ensuring safe worker conditions, fair wages, and workers’ rights throughout the entire production process. By choosing to purchase from sustainable and ethical brands, you ensure the safety and well-being of those involved in manufacturing and contribute to a more equitable global economy.
Consumption
Beyond ethical production, a shift in our consumption would have far more value than any innovative technology. In a linear economy, our clothes are manufactured, used, and discarded, contributing to the growing problem of textile waste. This process is only made worse as the amount of clothes purchased increases, and the number of uses per garment decreases. On the other hand, a more sustainable approach where products are designed for durability, repairability, and recyclability encourages a more circular system. This can reduce the total amount of waste and reduce the demand for new raw materials. Shifting to this type of consumption requires a change in consumer behavior, one that emphasizes quality over quantity, and fostering a mindset that values longevity and versatility in clothing. Part of Prohto's mission is to help shoppers buy from brands that create high-quality products that can contribute to a circular system.
Our Home
The broader realm of environmental conservation sits at the heart of sustainable clothing. The apparel industry is a significant contributor to water pollution, and global emissions contributions are between 4%-10%. The dyeing processes and chemical treatments are known to contaminate water resources, and it is increasingly difficult to regulate this when the materials come from several locations around the world. Companies that wish to address this issue explore alternative and less harmful dyeing methods, along with more effective wastewater management practices. Regarding the emissions, responsible brands will use renewable energy in manufacturing and more efficient transportation and distribution systems to help curb the total emissions. While it's great for companies to use eco-friendly materials, Prohto promises to dive deep into each and every brand we offer, to make sure they are making meaningful commitments, and providing real progress along the way.
Our Choices
Consumers around the world are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and social implications of their choices, and supporting sustainable clothing is a catalyst for positive change. The industry responds to consumers by fostering innovation in materials, production techniques, and business models. Whether it’s the development of biodegradable textiles or the implementation of circular fashion initiatives, sustainability drives a transformation in the way clothing is conceptualized, produced, and consumed.
The choices we make when shopping directly affect the demand for raw materials. Preference for recycled, upcycled, or sustainably sourced materials reduces the strain on natural resources, mitigating deforestation, water depletion, and other environmental harms. By choosing products with minimal packaging, or companies committed to reducing waste, we help combat the mounting issue of plastic pollution.
In essence, every purchase, whether big or small, serves as a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By aligning choices with sustainability principles, we all become key drivers in promoting environmental health and fostering a more sustainable future.
What’s Next for Sustainable Clothing
Prohto bridges the gap between consumers, the apparel industry, and sustainability initiatives. We want to serve as a beacon of hope in the confusing, and pricey world of sustainable goods. By vetting brands, and understanding the complexities of production and transportation, we want to offer a shopping experience that consumers feel good about. Whether you want to dive deep into each garment you buy (like us) or need to make a quick purchase, Prohto is going to ensure that your purchase is responsible and moving society towards a more sustainable, and happier future. We hope you follow along with us and join our fight as we support communities around the world, from the manufacturing floor to our homes. We’re Glad You’re Here.
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