5 Reasons Why Cruelty-Free Fashion is More Important Than Ever
Buying clothing that aligns with your values is becoming increasingly important. Millennials and Gen X-ers are pushing the boundaries in an ethical rights-inspired fashion revolution by making conscious choices and questioning accountability.
Many of the terms related to sustainable fashion are used interchangeably, but cruelty-free fashion means that the garment is reflective of a commitment to improving standards regarding animals, and their welfare. It can also encompass workers’ rights and ensuring an ethical production process overall.
All of these five things are the reasons why cruelty-free fashion is more important than ever.
Awareness
In 2016, PETA revealed that one billion animals had been killed for their fur and feathers alone. Once considered a by-product of the meat industry, leather is now known as one of the worst offenders; damaging the environment on a significant scale before it has even reached the tannery. Sheep are being bred to over-produce wool and the factory farming of ducks and geese for down can be truly shocking.
Due to the internet, we are more connected than ever, and the message of animal cruelty in the fashion industry is being spread. As a result, more people are becoming aware.
Animal Welfare
As a species, we love other animals, and very often pets are considered another member of our family. However, the animals destined to be resources to fashion manufacturers do not always receive the same love, compassion and fair treatment.
Barbaric practices, over-breeding, and terrible living conditions are common. Despite a significant decrease in popularity, the fur industry alone is reported to kill around 30 million per year, with 35 animals being killed and skinned alive to create a single coat.
Workers’ Rights
The term cruelty-free fashion can also refer to brands that recognise the importance of workers’ rights. Far too often, cheap clothes are made by people in exploitative working conditions. Such factories are often associated with cramped surroundings, coercion and minimal pay. They play a role in perpetuating global inequality and yet, many top names have been accused of using such labour in the past.
The Environment
Companies around the world are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability. Yet, shopping for cruelty-free fashion that is also good for our planet can still be a challenge. While synthetic materials may be better for the animals, we also want to make sure that our choices are good for the Earth too.
The fashion industry is currently one of the worst culprits when it comes to climate change, and the fast fashion culture is only making it worse. However, lots of big names are working towards improving this.
For example, Bonds have increased water efficiency by 40% in the past ten years, are committed to reducing waste, and have diverted an impressive 100% of their waste away from the landfill.
Consumerism
Once upon a time, new products came into stores around four times a year but today, clothing has become cheaper and consequently disposable. When we buy from companies that do not value the planet and everyone on it, we are endorsing their practices. However, by choosing cruelty-free you are sending a message to the big brands, that this is a basic standard that we expect.