The environmental cost of "being fashionable" has become a major concern on institutional agendas, but also among many citizens, who are increasingly concerned about making conscious and responsible purchases. As a result, there has been a growing interest in understanding the origin of materials, the manufacturing process, and human resource management.
In this article, we discuss the concepts of sustainable fashion and eco-fashion, and their implications not only on an environmental level, but also on a social and economic level.
Impact of fashion on the environment
Did you know that it takes 7,500 liters of water to produce a pair of jeans? This figure is even more chilling when you consider that it's the equivalent of what the average person drinks in seven years. According to data compiled by the United Nations , the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of total global water waste and 10% of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the "throwaway" culture has led to exponential growth in clothing production in recent years. Therefore, it is estimated that an amount of textiles equivalent to a garbage truck is buried or burned every second worldwide.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations : that is, it is linked to environmental protection and social development, beyond economic growth. In this sense, when we refer to this term, we are not only referring to environmentally friendly or eco-friendly fashion, but also to a series of practices related to production, distribution, and fair treatment of the people involved in the entire process.
Characteristics of sustainable fashion
More environmentally friendly materials
Sustainable materials are generally more natural. However, it's also important to consider whether it's more sustainable to use a fabric already in circulation versus one that's yet to be produced and manufactured.
In general, sustainable fashion uses textiles such as organic cotton, linen, or organic hemp , although it takes into account how it is produced: its cultivation, its extraction, its treatment, and whether it can be recycled in the future.
We must keep in mind that the moment we produce something, there is already an environmental impact, so the goal of sustainable fashion is to try to minimize it.
Recycling and circular economy
Sustainable fashion is also closely related to the circular economy, which focuses on reducing, recycling, and reusing resources to give a second life to objects we no longer use , in this case, clothing and shoes.
Social impact
Often, when we think of the term sustainability, we associate it only with the environment. But the truth is, it also relates to social impact. That's why sustainable fashion stores are linked to decent employment, local commerce, and cooperation .
Garments made to last
As we at Elisa Muresan maintain, a garment has a lot of value: behind it are many people who have made it possible. That's why sustainable clothing is made to last, with quality materials and careful craftsmanship. Furthermore, in a context where everything is ephemeral, sustainable fashion is often associated with timeless, easy-to-wear garments.
Transparency
Not everything is "greenwashing," that marketing practice that aims to sell a brand under an illusory image of ecological responsibility. Brands committed to sustainability will have no problem sharing their entire creative and production process. Because it is sustainability itself that gives meaning to these types of projects.
Main benefits of sustainable fashion
Environmentally friendly
Sustainable fashion seeks to minimize its ecological footprint, primarily through the use of materials such as organic cotton, but also through processes such as clothing transportation.
Respectful of the environment
Projects with a sustainability-based purpose take care of the environment, not only materially but also socially. They often contribute to enriching the local network in which they are located and, ultimately, contribute their part to creating a more pleasant environment.
Respectful of people
A sustainable clothing project is, above all, respectful of people, far removed from the labor exploitation that plagues the fashion world.
Disadvantages of sustainable fashion
It's hard to find a downside to sustainable fashion, which is something this industry must inevitably move toward. However, price is still one of the main drawbacks perceived by many consumers, in a context where low-cost clothing offers very cheap alternatives to new collections. Sustainable fashion, on the other hand, offers a calm and conscious approach using quality materials and materials.
Our way of making sustainable fashion
Elisa Muresan is an ecological and artisanal fashion brand where we believe that a garment has great value.
Have you ever counted the heartbeats behind your clothes? Think of all the people who made it possible. And now listen to your pulse every day while wearing them. Why stop wearing a garment in perfect condition just because they say it's no longer fashionable? Why produce low-quality items so you can renew them quickly? When you see low prices and exorbitant discounts, listen to the beating in your chest.
Elisa Muresan, designer
Fabrics are our first essential sustainable
We use organic cotton , always certified by GOTS , the most stringent standard available today. We like it because it prevents allergies, dermatitis, and other problems, as well as its softness and breathability, making it perfect for both winter and summer. If they meet our values, we also consider other materials such as Tencel (produced through environmentally responsible processes from sustainably sourced natural wood), hemp, and linen.
Ecodesign and circularity for garments that will always be with you
We extend the life of garments and make them easier to recycle by creating timeless, simple, and easy-to-wear pieces. They're easy to care for, made with quality fabrics and a sought-after comfort that will make you wear them for a long time and with pleasure.
Made in Spain (Zaragoza)
Our workshop is located in the Aragonese capital, where our team works under the premises of fair wages and decent, high-value work in a family-friendly environment. Since we also sell online in addition to our physical store, we centralize all our processes to minimize our carbon footprint.
If you'd like to know more about our mission, here's everything you need to know about our team. If you'd like to see the results, here's the catalog of Elisa Muresan's designs . We hope you like them and, above all, that they make your heart beat as strongly as our team's!
