by C. J. Carpenter

Created on: December 08, 2008   Last Updated: January 15, 2009

The fashion industry is changing, as pressures from consumers encourage earth friendly sustainable production. The fashion industry has often been accused of paying below poverty wages, inhuman working condition, and causing environmental damage. The "Ethical Fashion" trend is growing, as consumers consider what their clothes are made of, who made them and how production is affecting our planet.

Every garment has a complex lifecycle. Consider a cotton shirt, since cotton is promoted as a natural environmentally friendly fiber. Cotton seeds mature into plants with the help of pesticides that fight off the boll weevils. About a quarter of the worlds insecticides are used for cotton which harms the environment and cause blood poisoning to the farmers. The cotton is then dyed and chemically treated for suppleness. If chemicals are improperly disposed of, they can pollute our water and air. Under -paid workers are hired to sew the cotton shirt. Garments are made through a complex supply chain, making it difficult for the manufacture to control all sustainable social and environmental standards.

Ethical fashion designers and companies are striving to do their part to minimize injury to our planet by using natural products void of chemicals. These conscientious trendsetters are also against sweat-shops and support keeping villages and communities working.

The eco friendly fashion culture supports environmental and social responsibility. They understand that not only does the use of organic cotton help the environment but it also helps Uganda farmers that grows it have a better life.

Last month "Re:Fashion" held it's exhilarating awards ceremony in London to recognize forward thinking ethical fashion contributors. At the glitzy gala, awards were bestowed on designers and manufactures who've helped transform social responsibility and environmental standards in the fashion industry during the last decade. Some of the award recipients were Izzy Lane, for New Designer of the Year, The Consumer Award went to Marie-Claire, and Alek Wek received the Models award along with Erin O'Connor for their humanitarian work. Pachacuti won dual awards in the Peoples Choice and Business categories.

Parisian Ethical Fashion shows are on the rise. You can see EF designs worn by models strutting their stuff on the catwalk in designs by, From Somewhere, Hemp Hood lamb, Ada Zandition, Rapanui, and fig organic kids Fashion. Check out many other Ethical Fashions at www.ecofashionworld.com.

Innovative

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