Slow fashion… the new slow food?

September 6, 9:24 PMSF Eco Style ExaminerWendi Goad

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With all the SF foodies still recovering from last weekend’s Slow Food invasion and subsequent food coma, I’ve been thinking that what I’ve been touting about fashion may not be all that earth shattering. It isn’t hard to understand the impacts of fast food vs. slow food. But to apply it to fashion? I’ve never really thought of fashion as particularly fast, but the more I read about slow fashion the more I realize I have just been living in the fast lane my whole life so I don’t notice how fast it really is.

  What do we mean by fast? Here, we are using it to describe the general quickness of the process of garment making. We add chemicals to our fields to make cotton grow faster stronger better, we set up factory lines of laborers and machines to assemble the poison laden fabrics, and then we ship them all over the world to be bought, used and devoured by the trendiest sector out there… young women with disposable income. And all that is just for a single fashion season.

  Slow on the other hand, takes into consideration all the aspects of production, from growth: making sure the core materials are grown organically and ethically, to assembly: each laborer is a skilled tradesperson spending adequate time on each piece to achieve a lasting product, to consumption: allowing each consumer to buy pieces that reflect both their own style, as well as a lasting look that can evolve season after season.

What can you do to make a difference? – List from Need 2 Know Environment

1. Be aware. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when buying something, it’s your money!
2. When buying a new item of clothing, think about who made it and whether you really need it.
3. Value your purchases. Try to buy things you know you will keep for a long time. When you're done with them try to recycle them or pass them on to someone who will still wear them.
4. Vintage fashion is in - hunt down some gems in car boot sales, charity stores or even your parents’ wardrobes.
5. Be more creative – customize or find new ways to wear your gear.
6. Try to support companies that produce Fair Trade goods.
7. Sign up to become a member of the Ethical Fashion Forum for regular updates and info on upcoming events.