In recent years, the fashion system has radically revised its priorities, starting from production techniques and clothing recycling. The fashion industry plays a fundamental role in the global economy, and therefore has a great responsibility regarding its impact on the environment and the lives of those who work within it: from forced labor to polluted water sources, the negative consequences of uncontrolled production can have far-reaching implications. Luckily, more and more brands are adopting new ethical standards through a radical change in direction, initiatives in collaboration with other firms or associations, or capsule collections dedicated entirely to sustainable products. Here is a selection of clothing items to purchase for Spring/Summer 2019, to embrace current trends while paying attention to the well-being of the planet.
Adidas Futurecraft Loop Sneakers
Adidas has just launched a new sneaker, the first of its kind for the brand: it is a high-performance running shoe that can be 100% recycled to create a brand-new pair of footwear, without any waste. An attempt to address the serious environmental threat posed by plastic, which is increasingly clogging landfills and choking our oceans.
The Bridge Bag
On Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 to promote the protection of our planet, the Florentine brand The Bridge, which has been offering its artisan leather goods since the 1960s while embracing the modern philosophy of the circular economy, will refurbish its bags for those who purchase them on the Vintag marketplace: a valid reason to treat yourself to a piece of lived, recycled, and well-treated fashion that comes as good as new, or almost.
Patagonia T-shirt
Patagonia is not only one of the world’s most famous outdoor brands, but it is also one of the companies that has been most committed in recent years to the ethical production of its clothing items throughout the supply chain, from the sustainability of the techniques used to health insurance, paid maternity and paternity leave, and subsidized childcare for its workers. One of the must-haves this season is the organic cotton T-shirts, which do not involve the use of toxic pesticides and GMO seeds, promoting soil quality and biodiversity and allowing for a savings of up to 102 liters of water compared to the production of a normal cotton T-shirt.
Outerknown Shorts in Econyl
Outerknown is one of the favorite brands among surfers, born with the demanding premise of challenging the norms of the apparel industry by strictly pursuing ethical and sustainable production: 100% cotton T-shirts, fair trade suppliers, and now also surf shorts in Econyl, the innovative fabric made from recycled fishing nets and excess nylon.
Nudie Jeans Trousers
Nudie Jeans manufactures each of its products with 100% organic cotton, using 91% less water than traditional methods in this process, offering a free repair service for clothing items, reselling second-hand products, and recycling used ones. Additionally, the company pays all workers in its supply chain a living wage and conducts unannounced factory checks to ensure that everyone is adhering to its high standards, publishing these reports online for everyone to see.
North Sails Sweater
The brand has always made exploration and innovation its cornerstones, and being particularly linked to marine activities, since the summer of 2017 it has embraced the principles of environmental protection, pursuing the continuous improvement of its Environmental Management System and the prevention and reduction of pollution. Each clothing item is produced following a controlled and organized waste management, favoring recycling or recovery where possible, as well as of resources and raw materials with which they are made.
Veja Sneakers
With its distinctive brand, the V, and its understated design, Veja is one of the most committed sustainable brands of the moment: to produce its vegan footwear, it uses organic cotton and eco-friendly Amazonian natural rubber, and refuses to work with any leather producers in the Amazon, where cattle farming has significantly contributed to deforestation. Moreover, it employs inventory management procedures to avoid overproduction and waste.
WRÅD X Yoox
Created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Yooxigen, the WRÅD sweatshirt is made from Italian organic denim. It has a vibrant gray color, the result of an ancient form of mineral dyeing from Roman times passed down to today by the women of the Monterosso Calabro community in Calabria. A process reimagined today in circular economy dynamics through the recovery of otherwise lost graphite powder: this allows for a 90% reduction in average water consumption, a 40% energy savings, and the elimination of chemical dyes. A green, rediscovered, and reprised story by WRÅD for a more sustainable future.
Ecoalf
