On this Black Friday, we want to point out the environmental burden of our industry. Last year, YLE wrote that the textile and clothing industry causes more emissions than air and ship traffic together. Companies can't keep producing items light-hearted without acknowledging their responsibilities. We can't keep consuming and treating our clothes like they don't matter. We need a change, and we need it now.
All clothing brands must immediately take responsibility for their impacts on climate change. Every single new item uses enormous amounts of resources regardless of where it's manufactured or which material is used. Brands need to plan the whole life cycle of an item before the pattern making starts. We at Népra have many things we can do better - everybody has. We know we are part of the problem, but at the same time, we are determined to be part of the solution.
We are in business to save this planet, and Black Friday's discount hype couldn't be further away from our values. Tomorrow, Népra Online Store is closed for a Blackout, and instead of supporting overconsumption, we take part in the global day of climate action.
Call-to-action:
The fastest way to make an impact is through concrete actions. We need to stop buying from unethical and unsustainable brands right now. Instead, we can support the small responsible brands who are committed to doing their best with small budgets. This is how the money will circulate in the right places: supporting ethics and the environment.
If you are lost in the search for more sustainable options, we have a blog post to help you out. Check our ethical brand listing & tips on how to build an ethical closet.
Love,
Ama & Essi
Photos by Julius Töyrylä
Previously about Black Friday on Speak Of The Frog:
Black Friday - Buy Nothing Day
The Seven Deadly Sins Of Clothing
Sources:
Yle: Harva tietää halpavaatteen todellisen hinnan: Pikamuoti saastuttaa enemmän kuin lento- ja laiva liike, koska vaatteita ei tehdä kestämään.
