A Guide To Ethical Fashion In Australia: Shop Your Way To A Better World

CLOTHING - FASHION - GUIDE Published On: December 10, 2021

We live in a world that is obsessed with looking good. Each day, millions of customers from Istanbul to New Delhi flock to stores to get their hands on stylish and trendy outfits. It doesn’t even matter if the desire for style exceeds their budget -fashion lovers find a way around through coupons, gift cards, promo codes to get the latest outfits.

A Guide To Ethical Fashion In Australia: Shop Your Way To A Better World

However, the cute maxi dresses we love do not appear out of thin air. These products utilize natural resources and human labor-- sometimes to an extreme degree. It may surprise some readers but the fashion industry is the second biggest polluter in the world. This should especially worry the Australian people as this great continent remains most affected by climate change.

It doesn’t end with the environment. The clothing industry is also accused of exploiting cheap labor. Sometimes this exploitation leads to a catastrophe.

Some Background

On 23rd April 2013, large cracks appeared on Rana Plaza, a commercial building in the upper district of Dhaka. This building contained a bank, some shops, and a clothing factory. While the bank and shops were closed off, the factory workers were told to return the next day. These workers would eventually become the victims of their employer’s greed.

The factory collapse in Dhaka resulted in 1,134 deaths. It sent shockwaves across the globe. Activists, politicians, and business leaders all began to call out the labor exploitation in the clothing industry.

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This disaster led to an increased emphasis on ethical fashion.

But What Exactly is Ethical Fashion?

Ethical Fashion Forum defines it as; ‘the approach to the design, sourcing, and manufacture of clothing which maximizes benefits to people and communities while minimizing the impact on the environment.’

Ethical fashion goes beyond good labor practices. It also entails that brands put special emphasis on fair trade, sustainability, and environmental concerns. While sourcing ethical fashion, one must analyze everything from fabric, animal welfare, working conditions, and whether the product is polluting the atmosphere.

Some people might even consider clothing brands that empower women and promote body positivity as ethical. For instance, Swish Fashion is a brand that is solely focused on plus-size women. It even provides affordable clothing with its exclusive Swish Fashion discount codes. While the mission of this brand is indeed admirable, it won’t necessarily qualify as ethical without taking environmental and labor factors into consideration.

It is fair to say that ethical fashion is an umbrella term with two important categories:

Sustainable Fashion

Conscious consumers demand that brands use methods of production which have a low impact on the environment. This means using eco-friendly materials such as hemp and organic cotton while reducing their reliance on poisonous chemicals.

Beyond that, sustainable fashion brands are also required to implement green shipping and eco-friendly packaging. Shipping emissions are estimated to become the source of 17% of all CO2 emissions by 2020 so their footprint on the environment cannot be understated.

Lastly, the carbon cost of packaging needs to be curtailed for a retailer to truly count as a sustainable option.

Fair Trade

According to the World Fair Trade Organization; "Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.”

To determine if a brand indulges in fair trading, consumers need to ask the following questions:

Who made these clothes?
Are they safe?
Are they empowered?
Are they free?
Can they afford basic necessities?

Unfortunately, getting the right answers to the above questions is difficult as most companies are not transparent.

How To Know If A Brand Is Implementing Fair Trade?

Baptist World Aid Australia is an organization that keeps tabs on fair trading in the country. Every year, it releases a guide that explains the situation of ethical clothing in Australia by grading more than 400 brands on their fair trade practices. The report highlights concerns related to child labor, exploitation, modern-day slavery and even includes environmental degradation caused by a company.

Similarly, Ethical Clothing Australia, Good On You, Eco Warrior Princess, and Fashion Revolution are putting in some work to investigate brands to see if they're meeting the ethical and free trade standards.

Although every organization has different criteria, they all set somewhat similar benchmarks. All in all, promoting self-sufficiency, ensuring transparency in the business, and concern for the economic, social, and environmental well-being remain the focus. Of course, these groups emphasize that brands must pay the producer fairly and ensure a healthy working conditions.

Can You Buy Ethical Clothing In Australia?

Australian consumers have plenty of opportunities to shop from ethical brands. While some retailers have put ethical fashion at the center of their business model, others are implementing policies for reducing their impact on the environment.

But let’s be honest here, no clothing is completely ethical or sustainable. It just so happens that the industry itself is an unsustainable one. However, one should not discredit or discourage brands that trying to change the fashion industry for the better.

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IBISWorld reports that Australian fast-fashion sectors experienced a ridiculous growth of 19.5% over the last five years. The industry is now earning revenue of around $AUS 2 billion.

With so much money being funneled into unethical clothing, Facebook groups such as Ethical Fashion Australia are increasing awareness about responsible shopping. However, they are not alone in their efforts. Many up-and-coming Australian brands are leading the cause of ethical shopping. You can get amazing discounts on these brands with the help of Australian websites like EMUCoupon.

In any case, here are some clothing stores promoting ethical fashion in the down under.

1. LACOSTE

The Lacoste brand offers a one-of-a-kind assortment of high-quality products for men, women, and children that are inspired by its sporting heritage. When you sign up, you'll get 15% off your first order and you can take free shipping if your order is over $150.

LACOSTE is dedicated to protecting the environment, as evidenced by measures aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and preserving natural resources and biodiversity.

2. Boody

Boody believes that comfort can do more than just make you feel good. Simple designs, eco-friendly materials, and long-term manufacturing are all priorities.

Discover their exceptionally soft, cozy, breathable, and sustainable everyday basics, all made from organically farmed Boody. You can avail 10% discount on any order with the given code. Boody's philosophy is based on superior comfort, which they guarantee to you. They have been grown organically and are extremely soft. On your skin, it will feel light and pleasant.

3. Merchant 1948

Merchant 1948 is a specialized brand of men's and women's footwear. It has flashy sneakers, elegant sandals, and grizzled boots for anyone that wishes to walk with style. Customers can get these comfy and flamboyant pieces for a discount by using Merchant 1948 promo codes.

Perhaps the best quality of this brand is its responsibility toward communities. The company operates numerous charities in vulnerable regions seeking to empower the local population, especially the children. Merchant 1948 is also committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its labor. It does this constantly by keeping in touch with the factories where its material is produced.

4. Ether & CO

Every woman is reflected in Esther & Co. Their pieces, like you, are unique and come in a variety of sizes ranging from 6 to 20.

There's something here for everyone, whether you prefer pretty, feminine gowns or timeless classics (or a little bit of both).

When you use the given coupon at checkout, you will receive a 10% discount on your entire shopping bag. Every day and for every occasion, Esther The Label and Esther Luxe celebrate women.

5. Autograph

Autograph is a holistic fashion store that has everything from floral dresses to smart pants. It boasts knitwear, jackets, and footwear that have a laidback look. The store regularly provides a flat discount on a variety of items. Customers can get up to 50% off by using the Autograph coupon code.

The company ensures ethical trading by ensuring safety for everyone involved in the production. It does not work with any company that exploits its labor or engages in other unethical practices

Final Words

Fashion allows people to express their creativity and craft an identity for themselves. However, this should not come at the expense of people from marginalized communities or at the cost of the planet itself.

Customers need to stay conscious of their preferred brands. One cannot simply turn a blind eye while companies exploit labor and destroy natural resources.

Here’s what we can do to inspire a positive change in the fashion industry: