Investing In Sustainability

 

Sustainability is becoming a widely known concept. To older generations, the idea of purchasing goods that are specifically “green” or “environmentally friendly” was unheard of. Today, there is a large group of consumers who refuse to buy any other than sustainable products. There are certain areas of life that are more welcoming to environmentally friendly products rather than others. For example, many companies and families have converted their businesses and homes to energy efficient lighting. Some have even gone to the extremes of installing solar panels to conserve energy. However, the idea of sustainable interior textiles is more uncommon. 

Although interiors are not as “disposable” as apparel products, it is still an investment that consumers must be willing to make. As mentioned in Fashioning Sustainability Forum for the Future, cotton is the most widely used textile in our industry, which encourages cheap, large scale production.Finding interior products, such and pillows, which are made with organic or recycled goods is challenging. I currently work in the purchasing department at a home goods wholesaler. Because of my experience with overseas vendors and factories, I have become familiar with the challenges with finding sustainable materials. In order to make a “green” pillow, factories will most likely need to source organic cotton (which some are not willing to do). Organic cotton farms are sometimes hard to come by, due to the investment the farmers must make to grown true organic cotton. It is a very long and tedious process. Therefore, the cost of goods is increased, which in turn requires an investment from consumers. Although my experience is primarily with international vendors, I would imagine US companies would encounter similar issues. 

 

Because of the challenges that come with creating sustainable products, it is imperative that consumers be willing to invest their money and effort into making these products staples in their everyday lives. It will require a shift in their dominant social paradigm (DSP).

Shifting the New Dominant Social Paradigm in the Apparel Industry: Acknowledging the Pink Elephant by Cosette M. Armstrong explains how consumers rely too much on technology and efficiency to solve our environmental problems. In order for our DSP to change, consumers must acknowledge and address the pink elephant. A change in the “pattern of practice” must be made in order for consumerism to change. 

Want to learn more about organic cotton farming? Visit the links below:

http://www.organic-cotton.us/

http://www.greentextile.com/sustainable.aspx