Ethical Fashion Advocacy Includes Conscious Consumerism, But It Doesn’t End There
As the conscious consumerism movement continues to grow, critics have pushed for political activism to take greater precedence over ethical consumption. Perhaps we could be more conscious of the systemic issues at play in the fashion industry in general, beyond sweatshops and fair labor. It is not the consumer’s fault that sweatshops exist or that people are not paid fairly. We have all been born into a capitalist society. While this is true, consumers still have the chance to use what they do have to advocate by where they shop. Each of us has the chance to advocate for safe working conditions through the way that we shop and through social activism. While there is a need for policy change within the fashion industry, there is also an opportunity to be a conscious consumer.
Elizabeth Cline, author of Dressember’s Summer 2020 book club pick, The Conscious Closet, recently renounced ethical consumerism in favor of political activism. In an article she wrote, she breaks down her thought process, explaining that she is no longer focused on being an ethical consumer. Cline states, “...What drives sweatshops is not a consumer demand for sweatshops. It is a lack of proper labor laws to protect garment workers and intense economic concentration that incentivizes the industry to drive down wages.” As consumers, it is necessary to ask ourselves what we can do to advocate for safer working conditions and more sustainable practices in the fashion industry. In some cases, this may include writing letters to your representatives or participating in a protest for safe labor laws, while in others, it may be buying clothes from a smaller business that treats its employees fairly. At Dressember, we believe that there is room for both at the table.
Photo by David Dvořáček on Unsplash
As consumers, we have the ability to decide where we spend our money. It typically costs far less to shop at a fast-fashion store than it does at one where products are ethically made. It is worth noting that most can’t afford to shop from ethical shops 100% of the time.
However, there are ways to be a more conscious consumer aside from only shopping from ethical brands, such as:
Shop secondhand.
Make sure you make the clothes you do own last as long as possible.
Create or mend your own clothing.
Live a more minimal lifestyle so that you don’t need to purchase clothing quite as often.
Something to always consider when making an effort to be a conscious consumer is that not one person does it perfectly.
We also live in a society where individuals have different levels of privilege. In some cases shopping from an ethical store or thrifting is not always practical.
Though we believe conscious consumerism is important in the fight against exploitation, we also acknowledge that ethical fashion advocacy should not end with consumer choices.
Photo by Korie Cull on Unsplash
Cline also expresses, “Would the problem you’re trying to address with your shopping cart be better tackled by a new rule, a new regulation, a ban, an incentive, a new social program, a different way of doing things? The answer is almost always yes.” This statement challenges each of us to think beyond consumerism. Though we can advocate with our dollar, we can also advocate with our voice. Cline continues her activism by working with political and social movements that demand change for garment workers, such as the #PayUp Campaign.
Working to be a conscious consumer is one type of advocacy, but other types of advocacy are equally important. We challenge you to think about doing both when you can. If you are in a position to shop from ethical brands, that is a great option, though it is not where advocacy ends. Perhaps, shopping from ethical brands may look like switching one fast-fashion purchase for an ethical alternative such as shopping from a thrift store or a slow-fashion company. Again, no one is the perfect ethical consumer. But when we couple that imperfect conscious consumerism with activism and pressure the fashion industry to change its ways, our advocacy is all the more powerful.
Here are ways to advocate in addition to conscious consumerism:
Take a look at the #PayUp Campaign and sign these petitions.
Demand policy change where you see unfair work practices—this may look like contacting a manager or emailing an employer.
Get involved with organizations that aim to better the garment industry, such as the Clean Clothes Campaign.
It takes all people working together from many different classes, positions, political parties and more to advocate for freedom. If we are conscious and make small changes where we can, all while advocating for policy change, perhaps that change will come, and smaller businesses and thrift stores will also be fueled along the way.
About the Author
Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.