Sustainable Transportation

In an era defined by a growing consciousness of our environmental impact, the nexus between sustainable transportation and the world of fashion stands as a compelling arena for change. Transport accounts for about 64% of global oil consumption, according to a report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). Currently, the fashion industry has a dark stain imprinted on this statistic. 

As individuals who appreciate the transformative power of fashion choices on our planet, we find ourselves at a crossroads where every decision we make can ripple through the fabric of our world. 

This article embarks on a persuasive journey aimed at those who see fashion as an ensemble and an expression of values. Here, we unveil the importance of sustainable transportation, a vital yet often overlooked facet of the fashion industry's sustainability paradigm, and illuminate the path forward for those who wish to enact positive change through their choices. 

The Environmental Consequences of Excessive Transport 

The transportation of fashion products from one side of the world to another is a key part of the industry, yet this can come with a hefty environmental cost. The burning of fossil fuels to power planes and trucks releases air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants are responsible for smog formation, poor air quality, and acid rain.

On top of this, these emissions also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are known to cause climate change. In addition to air pollution, excessive transport also leads to other problems, such as noise pollution, water contamination, and soil degradation due to fuel spills. 

All in all, the environmental consequences of excessive transport are severe and wide-reaching – not only does it contribute significantly to air pollution and GHG emissions, it impacts our ecology, economy, and health. 

The fashion and transportation industries share a symbiotic relationship, where the fashion world's global supply chain relies heavily on transportation networks. 

From sourcing raw materials to shipping finished products, fashion's demands drive extensive freight and logistics activities. This interconnectedness often results in high carbon emissions, pollution, and resource consumption, making sustainable transportation a critical element in reducing the environmental toll of the fashion industry.

The Role of the Fashion Industry 

The fashion industry's contribution to transportation-related environmental issues is multifaceted. Its expansive global supply chain requires frequent long-distance shipping, resulting in substantial carbon emissions.

Secondly, the rise of fast fashion encourages rapid production and transportation, amplifying the industry's carbon footprint.

Lastly, consumer trends promoting frequent wardrobe updates drive increased shipping demands, further intensifying environmental impacts.

Collectively, these factors underline the fashion industry's substantial role in transportation-related environmental challenges, making sustainable transportation practices an imperative step toward fashion's eco-conscious evolution.

What Are We Doing?

State of Matter is boldly committed to sustainability yet acknowledges an ongoing journey of improvement and further sustainability efforts ahead. Here is how we are trying to help:

1. Local and Transparent Supply Chain: Transparency in the supply chain is essential. We are working to reduce our carbon footprint by sourcing materials and manufacturing locally, reducing transportation emissions.
2. Eco-Friendly Materials: A central element of State of Matter™'s vision is to make clothing production nearly 100% sustainable. This commitment has driven us to explore groundbreaking fabric innovations, harnessing recycled bottles, repurposed garments, and reclaimed fishing nets to create premium-quality fibers. Our journey is far from over; we have made significant advancements since our initial production cycle.
3. Minimal Waste and Recycling:  92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced every year, according to Earth.org

We aim to minimize waste by designing clothes with minimalistic, versatile styles that have a longer lifespan. We also encourage recycling and upcycling of old clothing using our 360-degree afterlife program.

1. Community Engagement: We meticulously select our production partners based on two critical criteria: ethical and safe business practices, followed by their capacity for high-quality craftsmanship on a large scale.

For instance, our shirts are expertly crafted in Egypt within a factory renowned for its exceptional quality and esteemed WRAP certification. While WRAP may not be a household name for most, it signifies an impartial, nonprofit organization of worldwide social compliance experts. Their mission is to advocate for global secure, legal, humane, and ethical manufacturing practices through certification and educational initiatives.

To understand how State Of Matter Apparel works towards sustainability and environmentally-friendly fashion, you can check our website and social media to keep up-to-date.

What Can You Do to Help?

Supporting fashion brands that prioritize sustainable transportation and supply chain practices involves making informed consumer choices. Here are practical examples:

1. Research and Choose Wisely: Investigate brands' transportation and supply chain practices before purchasing. Look for those prioritizing eco-friendly shipping, local sourcing, and ethical production.
2. Shop Local: Support local designers and brands, as they often have smaller transportation footprints due to reduced shipping distances.
3. Buy from Certified Brands: Seek certifications like Fair Trade or organic labels, often indicating sustainable transportation and supply chain practices.
4. Engage with Brands: Reach out to brands through social media or customer support to inquire about their sustainability efforts. Express your support for eco-conscious practices and ask for transparency.
5. Promote Circular Fashion: Encourage brands that embrace circular fashion models, such as recycling and upcycling, which reduce waste and transportation needs.
6. Join Sustainable Fashion Communities: Participate in forums or groups dedicated to sustainable fashion. Share your knowledge and discover brands that align with your values.
7. Advocate for Change: Use your consumer power to advocate for better transportation and supply chain practices. Send emails, sign petitions, or join campaigns that call for sustainable improvements in the fashion industry.

By making these choices, you support brands with sustainable practices and send a powerful message that eco-conscious consumers prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly transportation and supply chain strategies.