Fast fashion jewellery, like its clothing counterpart, is designed to be trendy, affordable, and disposable. This business model has several negative consequences for the environment and society. But fear not - there is an alternative! Many brands, like AARVEN, are now exploring sustainable alternatives to create beautiful jewellery that you can be proud to wear.
What are the problems with fast fashion jewellery?
Environmental Impact
Carbon Footprint: The production and transportation of fast fashion jewellery contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The manufacturing process involves energy-intensive activities, and the global distribution network adds to the carbon footprint.
Waste Generation: Fast fashion jewellery is often made from non-biodegradable materials like plastic and synthetic stones. These items are frequently discarded after a short period, contributing to the staggering amount of waste in landfills and oceans.
Resource Depletion: The extraction of precious metals and gemstones for fast fashion jewellery can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. The use of chemicals in mining processes can also contaminate water sources.
Water Pollution: Chemicals used in mining and processing jewellery materials can pollute local water supplies, affecting both wildlife and human communities.
Social Impact
Poor Labour Conditions: Workers in the fast fashion jewellery industry often face poor working conditions, including inadequate safety measures and low wages. This is particularly true in countries with less stringent labour regulations.
Child Labour: Unfortunately, child labour remains a significant issue in some mining regions. Children are exposed to hazardous conditions and miss out on education, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Community Displacement: Large-scale mining operations can lead to the displacement of local communities, disrupting their way of life and cultural heritage.
What are some sustainable alternatives?
Ethical Sourcing
Brands are focusing on sourcing materials from suppliers that adhere to strict environmental and social standards. This includes ensuring fair labour practices and supporting local communities.
Certifications like Fairmined or Fairtrade gold guarantee that gold is mined responsibly.
Durable Design
Timeless Pieces: Designing jewellery that is timeless rather than trendy encourages consumers to keep pieces longer, reducing waste and the demand for new, resource-intensive items.
Quality Over Quantity: Emphasising quality over quantity means that each piece is crafted to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Recycled Materials
Recycled Metals: Using recycled gold, silver, brass and other metals reduces the need for new mining, which can help decrease environmental damage.
Recycled Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds or recycled diamonds are becoming popular alternatives to traditional mined diamonds.
Biodegradable Materials
Some brands are experimenting with biodegradable materials like wood, bamboo, and plant-based plastics. These materials have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional jewellery materials.
By understanding the impacts of fast fashion jewellery and embracing sustainable alternatives, we can make more informed choices that support both the environment and ethical labour practices. Sustainable luxury jewellery brands like AARVEN are leading the way by prioritising durability, ethical sourcing, and innovative materials, offering consumers a chance to enjoy beautiful jewellery while contributing to a more sustainable future.
