Sustainable Fashion 101: Saving the Planet One Outfit at a Time

06.19.2025

That $5 fast fashion tee? It may seem like a bargain, but its true cost isn’t on the price tag, it’s paid by the planet, the workers, and ultimately, your wardrobe’s lifespan. If you care about the Earth (and still want to look incredible), it’s time to embrace sustainable fashion and we promise, it doesn’t involve wearing a burlap sack and calling it "rustic chic."

What’s Wrong with Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion thrives on speed and volume, pumping out trends quicker than your morning coffee brews. But here’s what’s hiding behind that convenience:

1. Environmental Devastation

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined. Producing a single cotton shirt requires around 2,700 liters of water that's nearly three years' worth of drinking water for one person. Roughly 85% of all textiles go to landfill each year, contributing to the 92 million tonnes of textile waste generated annually.

2. Unethical Labor Practices

Fast fashion relies heavily on low-wage labor in developing countries, often in unsafe working conditions. Many garment workers earn less than $3 per day and work long hours with little to no protection or rights.

3. Quality That Doesn’t Last

“Disposable fashion” is designed to fall apart quickly, encouraging constant buying and feeding a harmful cycle of overconsumption.

Why Sustainable Fashion Matters

Choosing sustainable fashion is a small act with a big impact. Here’s what you're supporting:

  1. Ethical Labor

Fair wages, safe working environments, and respect for the human behind the clothing.

  1. Eco-Friendly Materials

Organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL™, and recycled fibers that use less water, energy, and chemicals.

  1. Durability Over Disposability

Sustainable pieces are made to last, reducing the need for constant replacement and cutting back on waste.

  1. Lower Carbon Footprint

From production to packaging, sustainable brands aim to minimize environmental harm every step of the way.

What UNUMSHOP Is Doing Right

At UNUMSHOP, sustainability isn’t a buzzword , it’s a blueprint for how we operate.

  1. Ethically Sourced Products: We partner with brands that ensure transparency, fair labor, and responsible production.

  2. Low-Impact Dyes & Fabrics: Our collections favor plant-based dyes and sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and TENCEL™.

  3. Conscious Brand Partners: From 1 People’s minimalist luxury to Neu Nomads’ carbon-neutral collections, we stock only what aligns with our values.

Style With a Conscience

Fashion can be fun and forward-thinking. By choosing sustainable pieces, you’re making a statement, one that values the planet, its people, and the power of conscious choices.

Explore UNUMSHOP’s sustainable fashion collection , where every outfit is a step towards a better future.