Nachhaltige Kleidung – bringt das was? So viel muss Fair Fashion kosten I Ökochecker SWR

Summary

The video explores the growing trend of fair fashion, highlighting the importance of eco-friendly and ethical clothing choices. It features expert insights on sustainable fashion, addressing concerns like environmental impact, worker exploitation, and greenwashing. Fashion blogger Marie Nasemann shares her personal journey towards fair fashion, emphasizing the need for conscious consumerism. The video also offers practical tips on identifying fair fashion labels, with a focus on certifications like GOTS, Fairtrade, and the Green Button. It emphasizes that while fair fashion may come at a higher cost, it's a crucial investment for the planet and people.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fair Fashion is on the rise, with a 33% increase in sales from 2018 to 2019.
• 😀 The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters, responsible for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than air travel and shipping combined.
• 😀 Fair Fashion focuses on both fair working conditions and environmental sustainability.
• 😀 The Rana Plaza disaster in 2013 led many, like Marie Nasemann, to re-evaluate their consumption habits and move towards more ethical fashion choices.
• 😀 Workers in the textile industry often work up to 80 hours a week and earn less than the minimum wage, while Fair Fashion brands focus on fair wages and good working conditions.
• 😀 Fair Fashion also emphasizes eco-friendly production, such as using fewer harmful chemicals and reducing water consumption.
• 😀 The fashion industry uses vast amounts of water and chemicals, with the cotton industry contributing to environmental disasters like the drying of the Aral Sea.
• 😀 Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) ensure products are made with organic materials and adhere to strict environmental and social standards.
• 😀 Buying secondhand or vintage clothing is a sustainable choice, even if not all of it is fair trade, as it extends the life cycle of garments.
• 😀 Fair Fashion is generally more expensive, but the focus is on quality and long-lasting wear. An average fair outfit may cost between 100-200 Euros.
• 😀 The rise of greenwashing means that large fashion brands may market some items as eco-friendly, but it's crucial to verify through seals and certifications like Fair Wear Foundation, Fairtrade, and the Green Button.
• 😀 The 'Siegelklarheit' website helps consumers understand the meanings of various certification labels to make more informed, ethical fashion choices.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the fast fashion industry?

The fast fashion industry is one of the most polluting sectors in the world, second only to the oil industry. It is responsible for significant waste and carbon emissions, contributing to about 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is comparable to the aviation and shipping industries combined.

What is 'Fair Fashion' and how does it differ from regular fashion?

'Fair Fashion' refers to clothing that is produced under ethical labor conditions, ensuring fair wages and safe working environments. It also emphasizes environmental sustainability, with eco-friendly materials and production processes. Unlike regular fashion, which often prioritizes low costs and mass production, Fair Fashion seeks to minimize harm to people and the planet.

What significant event influenced Marie Nasemann to pursue a career in sustainable fashion?

In 2013, the collapse of the Rana Plaza textile factory in Bangladesh, which produced clothing for various major brands, was a pivotal moment for Marie. She was deeply shocked by the event, leading her to reevaluate her consumer behavior and eventually transition to a career focused on Fair Fashion and sustainability.

What are some of the environmental issues caused by the fashion industry?

The fashion industry uses large quantities of chemicals, approximately 43 million tons per year, and consumes about 10% of industrially used water globally. The overuse of water, particularly for cotton farming, has caused environmental disasters such as the drying up of the Aral Sea in Central Asia.

What are the benefits of secondhand shopping in relation to sustainability?

Secondhand shopping contributes to sustainability by keeping clothing in circulation longer, reducing waste, and decreasing the demand for new production. While secondhand clothing may not always be Fair Fashion, it is still a more sustainable option compared to buying new items.

What certifications or seals can help consumers identify Fair Fashion?

Consumers can look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fairtrade, and the Fair Wear Foundation. These seals indicate that the clothing was produced under fair labor conditions and/or uses eco-friendly materials and processes.

How can consumers determine if a clothing item is truly sustainable?

To determine if clothing is sustainable, consumers can check for certifications or seals, such as GOTS, Fairtrade, or the Green Button. These seals provide information on the environmental and social standards met by the product. Additionally, researching the brand's practices and transparency can offer insights into their sustainability efforts.

How does the price of Fair Fashion compare to fast fashion?

Fair Fashion is generally more expensive than fast fashion due to the higher costs associated with ethical production, sustainable materials, and fair wages. However, Fair Fashion items are designed to last longer, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. For example, consumers can expect to pay around 100-120 Euros for Fair Fashion shoes.

What are the key advantages of purchasing Fair Fashion?

The key advantages of purchasing Fair Fashion include supporting ethical labor practices, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry. Fair Fashion promotes responsible consumption and helps minimize the harmful effects of the traditional fashion industry on both people and the planet.

Can Fair Fashion be found in major retail stores or only in specialized shops?

While some large retailers offer sustainable collections, Fair Fashion is most commonly found in specialized stores dedicated to ethical and sustainable fashion. However, it is important to be cautious of 'greenwashing,' where companies may label their products as sustainable without meeting strict environmental or social criteria.