Mainstreaming Ethical Fashion

The following is a short list of apparel retailers and organizations that are really kicking butt in the world of sustainable fashion by 1) addressing the fact that textile manufacturing has a big environmental footprint and 2) by doing their best to reconcile that. I strongly encourage you to check them out! I have tried for the most part to include a mix of online retailers that ship worldwide.

Just as a general note, I have purchased products from the majority of these retailers and the information gathered is taken directly from their website- e.g. their mission statement, core values along with the attached pictures.

Fashion Takes Action

Based in Toronto

Fashion Takes Action (FTA) is the Canadian fashion industry's only non-profit advocacy organization. Its motto: "Resizing fashion's footprint" by closing the loop in fashion. The organization works with various industries and consumers, with the goal to switch behaviours that lean toward a more positive social and environmental impact.

The organization's "My Clothes, My World" program runs workshops that teach students in grades 4 through 12 about the manufacture of clothes and labour rights, encouraging them to think before purchasing. Fashion Takes Action has also started a "Fashion Impacts Challenge" which involves clothing swaps in schools in the effort to minimize textile waste.

The folks at FTA encourage us to recognize that "60% of our clothing ends up incinerated or in a landfill within the first year of its life". The average North American throws away 36kg of textile waste each year. For every 1kg of textiles in landfills, 4kg of CO2 is emitted into our atmosphere- something to keep in mind.

ASOS GreenRoom

Based in London

ASOS is a pretty well-known online fashion retailer based in the UK that has made a commitment to reduce their environmental impact on the planet. If you visit the ASOS.com e-boutique there is a "Green Room" where customers can learn about a wide range of brands that fit within their criteria for sustainability. They have a fair-trade clothing label entitled ASOS Made in Kenya, that is made in partnership with SOKO Kenya- a clothing manufacturer that provides fair and safe training and employment for some of the country's poorest communities.

Reformation

Based in Los Angeles

Created in 2009 by Yael Aflalo, this brand designs and manufactures the majority of their limited-edition collections in their factory headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. All other garments are produced by responsible manufacturing partners in the U.S. or abroad using sustainable methods and materials. Reformation sources sustainable fabrics and vintage garments while incorporating better practices throughout their supply chain to make beautiful styles at a fraction of the environmental impact of conventional fashion. It is their mission to lead and inspire a sustainable way to be fashionable.

Citizens Mark

Based in Scandinavia

This is a brand that is dedicated to providing quality workwear for women. From there, came the inspiration for a brand for socially conscious and empowered women on the rise.

From sourcing production to branding, citizens mark values respect for workers, the environment and the entire global community. They work with leading European suppliers to meet an uncompromising commitment to a responsible global supply chain. Whether it is using wool that keeps waters clean; responsibly dyeing fabrics; creating luxurious lining that is fully biodegradable, this is all done while using a solar-powered living wage factory.

Patagonia

Based in California

This brand originally grew from a small company of climbers and their values reflect that by designing minimalist- style clothing that is appropriate for various sporting activities. In other words, the folks at Patagonia approach their design using the lens of simplicity and utility. They are a brand that is dedicated to help reverse the steep decline in the overall environmental health of our planet. For instance, they use recycled polyester in many of their clothes and only use organic cotton, as opposed to pesticide- intensive cotton. In addition, at least 1% of their sales goes to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups all over the world who actively aid in reversing the tide.

Lolë

Based in Montréal

Lolë stands for Live Out Loud Everyday. Born in Canada and still entirely designed in Montreal, Quebec, Lolë clothing can be found at more than 1,700 retail outlets around the world, in Lolë Ateliers and online at www.lolewomen.com. The collection reflects a modern lifestyle, thereby turning consumption into investment pieces that are long-lasting. It is mostly fun and feminine activewear that is stylish enough to transition into streetwear, designed for today's active urban woman.