Taking social responsibility seriously requires the commitment of an entire organization. That means upper management, including chief executive officers, CFOs, COOs, presidents, vice presidents, sales and marketing managers who are all responsible for implementing social responsibility strategies.
In many companies, social responsibility is incorporated into the mission and vision statements and business plans.
Eco-Friendly Fabric
Choosing to look for eco-friendly fabrics is a great way to do your part to help protect our environment and feel great about the apparel that you wear.
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, so it's vital to consider how your purchases affect our planet. Fabrics used in clothing production are often made from chemicals that are bad for human health and the environment. Manufacturing methods often pollute our water and land. Many garments are dyed with chemicals, and some are even treated with formaldehyde.
Learning about the textile industry and choosing to purchase clothing made from sustainable and socially responsible fabric can make a huge difference to our environment and can make a significant impact on fostering social responsibility.
If you want to be eco-friendly, look for fabrics that have the Cradle to Cradle(r) certification. This is a certification that looks at all stages of fabric manufacturing, from the fibers used to the final product. These fabrics can be certified for social responsibility, water efficiency, or renewable energy.
Linen is a great example of a fabric that is eco-friendly. Linen is made from flax and is breathable and lightweight. Linen is also biodegradable and naturally resistant to moths. It also uses less water than cotton and does not contain chemical pesticides.
Natural Dyes
Natural Dyes for social responsibility are another great way to support sustainable fashion and help save the environment. Natural dyes are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Additionally, they produce vibrant colors. As a bonus, the plants used in natural dyeing do not harm animals and do not create waste. The plants used to make natural dyes are also used in other ways, such as medicines or food. This benefits the environment and creates stable jobs for local communities.
However, natural dyes are much more expensive than synthetic dyes and they take longer to produce. Furthermore, natural dyes are not uniform or standardized. This means that every piece of clothing is not going to be exactly the same shade. For these reasons, many companies face a big challenge and opt to use dyes that are more environmentally friendly and have lower toxicity than some mass produced synthetic dyes, but admittedly, they are not 100% natural.
Using all natural dyes are a commitment that, in reality, most companies are simply not able to fulfill. This is a major concern and ultimate goal for socially responsible minded fashion designers, textile manufacturers, and consumers.
Natural dyes are safer and more sustainable than synthetic dyes, however, the process is time consuming and costly, as colors must be extracted from plants, trees, and minerals. Some natural dyes even have antimicrobial properties, making them safer for children and adults.
Natural dyes also help sustain rural textile industries. For example, Nijera Cottage and Village Industries, or 'Living Blue', is a group of natural indigo farmers and dyers. The textiles are produced locally, from the cultivation of the plants to the stitching process. In this way, they help the economy and the environment at the same time.
Consumer education is a big part of creating a significant demand for social responsibility in the textile industry. Perhaps some of Tattered Ts graphic imagery is (in some way) making a statement to express the need for such changes concerning social responsibility.
Tattered Ts is a new up-and-coming apparel company representing artists and promoting social awareness. As we grow, our offering of eco-friendly cotton fabrics and natural sustainable dyes will too. We are working toward promoting more consumer awareness and understanding of the textile manufacturing process.
It is our goal to continue sourcing more products made from organic cotton and natural fabric dyes, as well as promoting consumer education and research and development to find sustainable solutions. Please check our website for new products and join us to support small business, art, awareness, and social responsibility in the fashion industry.
Like us on Facebook