As society as a whole begins to increasingly value all things sustainable, we are now seeing this trend in the fashion world. With the rising power to impact the masses via large social media followings, influencers focused on sustainable fashion are utilizing particular language and to spread their message.  

Here are the top 10 terms sustainable fashion influencers are using today, to mobilize millennials towards necessary change: 

Locally Made 

A big term in the sustainability world. Locally-made garments are the preferred route for sustainable fashionistas for a variety of reasons. Shopping locally minimizes your carbon footprint, with the reduction in C02 emissions which accompany shipping items from a distance, all while supporting your local economy. 

If Locally Made interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Cotton Made in Africa Certified by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Aid by Trade Foundation  

1% for the Planet by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION:  1% for the Planet 

 

Cruelty-free 

Fashion influencers use this term to promote the awareness that fashion does not have to mean animal harm. Especially when it comes to shoes and coats, brands which provide alternatives to materials like leather and fur are gaining popularity. Part of caring about the planet is caring about the animals who live on it, and paying for an item that didn’t involve animal cruelty is well worth the search. 

If Cruelty-free interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Ethical Company by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: The Ethical Company Organisation 

Ethical Trading Initiative Member by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Ethical Trading Initiative  

Fair Wear Member by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Fair Wear Foundation  

 

Slow Fashion 

In response to today’s ‘fast fashion,’ the term ‘slow fashion’ was coined by Kate Fletcher from the Centre for Sustainable Fashion. Slow Fashion represents the idea of a slower-paced fashion industry, insinuating sustainability. Slow fashion encompasses the presence of higher-quality, longer-lasting materials, allowing for garments to be kept for longer periods of time. It means considering eco-friendly production, resources, and the treatment of those involved in the process of creating a garment. When fashion is slowed down, there is more thought and value put into not only the production of the item itself, but in the purchasing choices made by the consumer. 

If Slow Fashion interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Global Organic Textile by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Global Organic Textile Standard International Working Group 

Declare by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: International Living Future Institute 

 

Carbon-neutral 

You may have heard this term before, especially in other realms of sustainability. For something to be carbon-neutral, it means that its production does not leave a carbon footprint, as emissions are offset by actions meant to balance them out, resulting in the net carbon emission of zero. Today, the carbon footprint of clothing, shoes, and other wearable items is being considered more heavily, as it should. 

If Carbon-neutral interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Carbonfree Certified by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Carbonfund.org Foundation 

Climate Smart Certified Business by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Climate Smart Businesses, Inc. 

  

Circular Fashion 

You’ll find this term on many sustainable fashion pages, as its definition points to one of the most viable solutions when it comes to an eco-friendly fashion world. Circular fashion is a holistic approach to garment production, taking into consideration the end of life for each product. This method entails longer-lasting, therefore sustainable garments, with the intention of utilizing materials which can be recycled and reused. This allows for the generation of new resources rather than future junk. For the consumer, circular fashion can mean clothing swaps with friends, allowing for items to be traded for something preferred. 

If Circular Fashion interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Ecologo Environmental Choice by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Environment Canada 

Cradle to Cradle Certified by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute 

 

Fast Fashion 

As one of the most recently popular terms on this list in regards to fashion, ‘fast fashion’ refers to a marketing, design and production model which entails the creation of cheap garments in an attempt to bring high fashion to the masses. The problem with fast fashion is that it’s just that: fast. As trends change quickly, so do the styles presented in shopping malls. Garments in this model are not made to last, as the cheap prices imply. This results in overconsumption by the consumer and the vast majority of textiles ending up in the landfill when the next best thing arrives. The materials used also rely heavily on earth’s natural resources, and production often utilizes the work of underpaid staff, part of what allows for such cheap price tags. 

If Fast Fashion interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Fair Wear Member by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Fair Wear Foundation 

Wrap Certified by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)  

 

Re-Commerce 

Re-commerce is the resale of fashion items after having been previously purchased or worn. Today, it doesn’t just involve thrift shops, as more peer-to-peer and consignment platforms and stores are popping up across the world. Online options for resale are more popular than ever and utilized primarily by millennials. Re-commerce is a vital aspect of a circular fashion framework. 

 

If Re-Commerce interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Certified Professional Dry Cleaners by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI)  

Certified Professional Wet Cleaners by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) 

 

Upcycle 

Upcycling is one of sustainability’s best friends. Influencer accounts are popping up everywhere, with the intention of promoting and selling clothing that has been either made from repurposed material, or an old garment designed differently. The fact that this is now trendy, helps the everyday consumer feel good about wearing a design created from something old. 

If Upcycle interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Bluesign by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Bluesign Technologies, AG  

Global Recycle Standard by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: Textile Exchange 

 

Greenwashing 

Fashion influencers warn against greenwashed brands and companies. As the number of people who care about the planet grows, so does the number of brands attempting to look like they are doing their part. While many do make honest changes, others use misleading information in an attempt to make themselves look sustainable without the actions to back their claims. 

If Greenwashing interests you, you may like what these accreditors are doing. 

Greencircle Certified by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: GreenCircle Certified, LLC 

Oeko Tex Standard by ACCREDITATION ORGANIZATION: International OEKO-TEX Association 

 

Sustainable fashion 

Sustainable fashion is the goal. Brands who seek to be as sustainable as possible consider their environmental impact and social costs. This means putting thought into materials used, how long they will last, and whether or not they can be reused or recycled at end of life. For the consumer, it means valuing these things when it comes to brand choice. 

If Sustainable fashion interests you, you may want to learn what these businesses are doing. 

Find Businesses to support https://intengine.com/directory/category/apparel-textiles-accessories 

One last note to  sustainable fashion bloggers and the sustainability influencers of Instagram 

 

As a whole, we’re making huge strides in moving toward a sustainable fashion world. This being said, sustainable fashion influencers know we still have so much further to go. Through eco-fashion terms like those listed above, fun infographics, and the sharing of facts, sustainable influencers do their part in spreading the words on just how cool sustainable fashion can be, and what we can do to achieve it. 

Tags: eco fashion