Ethics

Fashion Ethic is proud to showcase designers and companies who are making responsible choices in design, production, and distribution. Some are entirely eco-conscious - using sustainable, organic, or recycled materials, low-impact or chemical-free dyes, and earth-friendly manufacturing processes. Others are socially responsible in their labor practices, paying fair wages, giving back to the community, and supporting social change. Other lines specialize in handmade goods, being animal-friendly or vegan, and giving a portion of profits to worthy causes. While traditionally these ethics have meant a more casual, “hippie” look, today’s designers are definitely upping the fashion quotient…we call it being “Fashionably Responsible”.

Eco-Conscious

Sustainable Fibers

What is it? Fabrics or materials made from highly renewable resources like bamboo, beech, or cork.

Why Bamboo? Bamboo grows quickly (up to a foot a day!) without the aid of pesticides and fertilizers, which can pollute the environment. Because it does not need to replanted, bamboo doesn’t destroy the soil or require expansion into new land, like many traditional plant crops. Not to mention it’s natural antibacterial tendencies and soft, silky hand.

Organic

What is it? Plant crops, like cotton, grown without pesticides and fertilizers and animal fibers like wool where the animal is fed organic foods (pesticide-free) and not given synthetic hormones or using genetic engineering.

Why Organic Cotton? Traditionally-grown cotton crops account for nearly 25% of worldwide pesticide/herbicide use. These chemicals contaminate food and water supplies and affect the health of crop workers and neighbors alike. In addition, they remain in the fiber for the life of the garment – no matter how many times you wash it. Considering how absorbent your skin is, wouldn’t you prefer knowing your garments have been certified as pesticide-free?

Recycled/Repurposed Material

What is it? Repurposed items have been subtly changed or augmented to make an old cast-off new again. Recycled goods have been reworked to create a new item.

Why Recycled? Reusing, Recycling, and Repurposing saves materials from the dump and landfills while saving the resources that would have been used in producing new goods.

Biodegradable

What is it? Materials that will degrade back into the earth without polluting it.

Socially Responsible

Sweatshop-free

What is it? Manufactured in a factory which provides good working conditions and does not use child labor.

Fair Labor/Living Wages

What is it? The designer or company assures that manufacturing workers are being paid a living wage and treated fairly.

Community Involvement

What is it? Companies or designers who actively support community as part of their business philosophy. This includes donations of goods or time and energy, participating in special projects and events to raise awareness, or even developing special products that promote community building and community issues.

Handmade

What is it? Designers who place value on personal handiwork over mass manufacturing. This philosophy results in more care and attention in production - for the earth as well as for the product, and the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces that are more valuable to the end-user, resulting in a longer product life.

Proceeds Back

What is it? Companies that promise to donate a portion of proceeds back to social causes, including 1% for the Planet and other organizations.

Animal Friendly

Vegan

What is it? Goods produced without any material derived from animals or animal by-product (i.e. leather, fur, etc)

No Animal Testing

What is it? Cosmetics produced without testing on animals.