🌿How do you check if your clothing is sustainable? This is one question we often get. Like food, is there a USDA organic label, but for fashion? While the amount of sustainable brands is growing, we are beginning to see more greenwashing throughout the industry, which is why third party verifications for the products we buy are very important. However, there’s not one specific label that you can see if your clothing is “ethical”. Although that would make it 100% easier, there are still many certifications out there. Fashion is way more complex then some store bought blueberries, so it’s hard to label a piece of clothing if it’s USDA Organic, but that does not mean it is sewed in a fair trade factory, or dyed with non-toxic dye. As of this moment, brands can choose to show how ethical their operations are. Hopefully, soon, more consumers will demand accountability and companies will continue to get verified, third party certifications will become mandatory for all companies, making it easier for the consumers to verify not only if their clothing is good for the environment, but also for consumers to verify the #whomademyclothes movement. Some of the labels below are true certifications, and some are organizations. You can look for these certifications are companies to verify that your clothing is made both ethically and sustainably:
SOME ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS:
OEKO-TEX- trustworthy label that focuses on chemicals. This verifies if for substances like toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans are used in the producers products.
LWG- rates leather tanneries and leather traders based on how their production process affects the environment
OCS- provides a custody system organic raw material source to your finished product.
GOTS- one of the more trust worthy certifications that cover processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibers
PETA, ECOCERT, Climate Beneficial, Regenerative Organic Certified, FSC, NSF International, UDSA Organic, C2C, bluesign,
Fair Labor Certifications
Fairtrade International- (Fairtrade USA for large farms) works with small farmers, producers, and traders around the globe who meet factors like fair wages, safe working conditions, and supply chain transparency.
Social Accountability International (SAI), SA8000, WRAP, Nest, Flocert,
Holistic Brand Certifications:
B Corp Certification is the only certification that measures a company in whole, from supply chain and input materials to employee benefit and more.
Eco-Age- marks brands who honor Eco-Age principles. This includes a wide range of areas, including fair work, community, diversity and inclusion, environmental management, leadership, animal welfare, and more.
ETI- ensures that works have freely chosen their employment, are being paid fairly, are working in safe conditions, and more.
Canopy- nonprofit organization that works with forests to provide a ‘sustainable’ alternative to synthetics and more resource-intense natural fibers like cotton without leading to deforestation.
The Higg Index, WFTO, FTF, FLA, FWF, 1% For the Planet, Good on You.
*Remember thar brands and companies CHOOSE* whether or not to release their production and material information. These companies and organizations can help you find brands that are ethical and sustainable, because there are no specific label.*
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