More and more clothing businesses chose to be part of nature by operating based on the same principles that govern all life – reducing and reversing harm done to the Earth and its living beings. This often implies the use of natural, truly organically grown, biodegradable materials to produce fabrics and dyes, making us of waste products via collaborations with other initiatives, minimising packaging and paper use. It means fair compensation of those who give their time and skills across the company and supply chain, ethical work conditions rooted in direct, personal relationships, aiming for durability of products, rooting the business in local communities integrated in the existing web of lands, waters and cultural and societal fabrics. The planet is prioritised over money, supply chains are clear and transparent to everyone, and equity among all beings – human and otherwise – is aimed for, avoiding exclusivity.

The latter has become a major issue as nature and her reflection in the clothing business are viewed as a commodity which can be sold at high prices. Increased costs for the production of natural, fair clothing are often justified, but turning sustainability into yet another money-making tool is not. To be able to discern the two those who purchase raw materials and final products need to follow their innate wisdom which always delivers a clear picture. If we are connected to ourselves, then we are connected directly to nature’s intelligence and to everything around us. At first encounter of a product, store, or business our body signals whether we can trust, or should be wary. Pay attention to those moments of knowing before mental analysis kicks in. 

Everyone has a right to healthy clothing for sheltering their body and for healthy, creative self-expression. Unfortunately many clothing businesses have not found a good balance yet between organic materials, fair trade and affordability. Perhaps our financial system and the ways in which we provide what is needed to meet basic human rights and requirements have to change in their entirety to ensure a life in dignity for all of us.

Ethical clothing reflects cultural responsibility by honoring everyone who has contributed equally esp. when non-local designs and services are used. Many people and many clothing companies love indigenous motives, colour schemes and patterns. Not only do these designs convey stories and cultural and historical meaning but they also reflect the skills and Earth-connectedness of those who produced them. Ethics here means full acknowledgement, permission for use and just exchange.

A business is a community of all those who contribute. Doesn’t that call for shared decision-making structures? Shouldn’t everyone who provides materials, skills and services have a say when change is wanted or needed? There is no one-size-fits-all answer but these are the questions we need to ask ourselves to create true sustainability. Below are some examples of exciting companies which are moving to the right direction (there are many more out there), reflecting no-harm principles consciously and as best they can. We are all still transforming, but progress towards ethical clothing is gaining momentum, and it is up to all of us to materialise it at a much larger scale. What are you supporting with your choices?