Cashmere, that mythical softness and warmth, has been synonymous with quality and refinement for so long. And still, as people are more and more concerned about sustainability, how cashmere is made is more important than ever before. While traditional cashmere production has had some connection to animal and environmental treatment in the past, making sustainably produced cashmere is transforming the industry for the better. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes cashmere “ethical,” and why it’s essential?
What Does “Ethically Sourced Cashmere” Mean?
Ethically sourced cashmere is cashmere wool produced in a way that is responsible, with regard to the welfare of animals, the environment, and fairness of labor. Unlike regular cashmere production that in some instances is exploitative of both animals and workers, ethically sourced cashmere has a traceable, transparent supply chain and high levels of consideration and fairness.
Animal Welfare
One of the largest concerns with cashmere farming is the way the cashmere goats, the animals that the wool is obtained from, are treated. The conventional practices of cashmere harvesting are combing the goats during their natural molting season or even shearing, which can sometimes stress, injure, or even hurt the animals.
Ethically sourced cashmere, on the other hand, is produced with utmost respect for the goats. This involves not brutalizing them or over-breeding them and keeping them in their natural habitats. Ethical cashmere producers engage herders with traditional, long-term methods of herding goats without violence to the animals. Ethical producers also engage with organizations to certify animal welfare standards.
Environmental Impact
The cashmere production’s environmental footprint can be tremendous, particularly when it comes to overgrazing. Overgrazing by large herds of goats, particularly in countries like Mongolia, has been accountable for desertification and degradation of essential ecosystems. Overgrazing devastates soil, reduces biodiversity, and speeds up climate change.
The environmentally friendly cashmere is based on sustainable farming in which goats can graze without overusing land. Ethical brands will then opt to work with herders who practice rotational grazing so that the land can remain healthy and the biodiversity unbroken. Secondly, most ethical producers of cashmere are committed to reducing water and energy consumption and other world-destroying practices, so that they are making cashmere with little damage to the world.
Fair Labor Practices
The second element of ethically sourced cashmere is fair wages and working conditions for the people along the process. Traditionally modeled cashmere supply chains are prone to taking advantage of low wages and poor working conditions, particularly for workers involved in rural areas of Central Asia.
Ethically sourced cashmere brands give importance to fair labor, where the workers are well paid, work in a safe environment, and are treated with respect and dignity. In certain instances, these brands also engage with local communities, offering them training and support to make them more independent and enhance their living standard.
Why Is Ethically Sourced Cashmere Necessary?
Encouraging Sustainable Fashion
As consumers increasingly become aware of their consumerism, they are demanding more sustainable fashion. Ethically sourced cashmere is one way in which consumers can be assured that their fashion purchases are aligning with their values. By demanding better ethical brands, consumers can make a path for a more sustainable, responsible fashion industry.
Long-Term Environmental Impact
Ethically sourced cashmere also discourages environmental degradation due to irresponsible herding. In promoting sustainable farming and herding, consumers are encouraging the preservation of delicate ecosystems and discouraging desertification in the world’s most sensitive environments.
Encouraging Animal Welfare
Cashmere goats are not just a means to an end in the pursuit of luxury yarn—they are actual animals and must be treated respectfully and with dignity. Ethical sourcing ensures that the goats are treated well, providing them with a secure and healthy habitat to grow.
Greater Transparency and Traceability
Ethically sourced cashmere will also typically feature labels or certificates that authenticate its origin and how it was made to high standards. This enables the consumer to have transparency so that they can make informed choices regarding where their product is originating and how it was made. Traceability is a massive factor in eliminating the level of unethical supply chain practice.
How to Know if Cashmere is Ethically Sourced
- Look for Certifications: There are several certifications that can offer assurance if the cashmere is being sourced in a responsible way, e.g., Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). These certifications ensure that cashmere meets strict environmental and social standards.
- Look at the Brand’s Practices: Ethical brands are open about their material sources. Look for brands that provide details on where they source their cashmere, how they obtain it, and what they are doing for animal welfare and the environment.
- Consider the Product’s Life Cycle: Good-quality, sustainably sourced cashmere is an investment in a product with a long life. Timeless, quality pieces decelerate fashion, reducing the necessity for continual consumption and disposal.
- Purchase from Small, Transparent Manufacturers: Small manufacturers and brands prioritize ethical sourcing, with the buyer having greater transparency and traceability. If you purchase from them, there is a high likelihood of being able to ensure that your purchase is made on sustainable principles.
Conclusion: Choosing Ethics
As customers, we can vote with our wallets. Ethical cashmere is a safe wager on quality fashion that also considers the welfare of animals, sustainability, and human labor. The more that fashion becomes transparent and more designers adopt ethical manufacturing, the more luxurious and yet ethical the future of cashmere looks.
So, the next time you are purchasing that perfect, cozy cashmere sweater, remember this: you are not just paying for a lovely, timeless piece of clothing—you’re also encouraging more responsible, sustainable fashion.
No products in the cart.