Shopping for Ethical Fashion: Certifications to Look For
Ethical fashion has become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers become more conscious of the negative impacts the fashion industry has on the environment and workers’ rights. This has led to a demand for sustainable and ethically-made clothing, but it can be overwhelming to navigate the many certifications and standards that exist. In this article, we will explore the different certifications to look for when shopping for ethical fashion and how they ensure the clothes you buy are ethically and sustainably produced.
The Importance of Certifications in Ethical Fashion
With the rise of fast fashion and its detrimental effects on the environment and workers’ rights, it has become crucial to have a standardized system to verify whether a garment is ethically produced. The use of certifications is one way to ensure transparency in the fashion industry and hold brands accountable for their practices. These certifications provide consumers with the assurance that the items they are purchasing have met certain ethical and sustainable standards.
Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade Certification is one of the most well-known standards for ethical fashion. It guarantees that the workers involved in the production of a garment are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. Additionally, this certification ensures that the farmers who grow the cotton used in the garments are also paid fair prices for their crops. The Fair Trade Certification also prohibits the use of forced or child labor in any stage of the supply chain.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a certification that guarantees that the textile fibers used in a garment are grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals. This certification also ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for the workers involved in the production of the garment. GOTS also has strict environmental criteria, ensuring that the entire supply chain follows sustainable practices.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a certification that focuses on the safety and environmental impact of textile production. It guarantees that the garments are free from harmful substances and have been produced in an environmentally friendly manner. This certification also ensures that workers’ rights are respected throughout the production process.
B-Corp
B-Corp is a certification that goes beyond the environmental and social standards in the fashion industry. It evaluates a company’s overall commitment to social and environmental responsibility and ensures that they are transparent and accountable in their business practices. This certification takes into account a company’s impact on its employees, customers, community, and the environment.
Conclusion
Shopping for ethical fashion can be daunting with the number of certifications and standards that exist. However, these certifications serve a crucial role in ensuring that the clothes we buy align with our values and have a positive impact on the environment and workers. Whether it’s Fair Trade, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or B-Corp, these certifications provide consumers with the assurance that the garments they are purchasing are ethically and sustainably made. So next time you’re shopping for new clothes, remember to look for these certifications and make a positive impact with your purchase.
