Local Sustainable Practices In The Nigerian Fashion Industry That Can Be Adopted Globally

Introduction:

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, with significant environmental and social impacts. The traditional fashion industry model is based on fast fashion, which encourages the production of low-cost clothing and rapid turnover of trends, leading to significant waste and pollution. However, there is a growing movement towards sustainable fashion practices that promote ethical production, reduce waste and pollution, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

The Nigerian fashion industry faces similar challenges, but it has also developed unique sustainable fashion practices that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially and economically beneficial. This article will explore the sustainable fashion practices in Nigeria that the world can adopt to promote a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry.

I. Sustainable Materials:

Sustainable materials are an essential component of sustainable fashion practices. Nigeria has a rich heritage of traditional textiles that are eco-friendly and locally produced. For example, Aso-Oke, Adire, and Akwete are all handwoven textiles that utilize natural dyes and fibers, and are produced by local artisans. Adopting these sustainable materials in the global fashion industry could lead to reduced environmental impact and support local communities.

In addition to traditional textiles, Nigeria also has a growing sustainable fashion industry that utilizes other sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics. For example, fashion brand, Eco-Age, uses organic cotton and recycled materials in its production, while Jewel by Lisa uses recycled materials to create its jewelry.

II. Production Practices:

Sustainable production practices are equally important in promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Nigeria has a strong culture of upcycling and repurposing, which is evident in the design of clothing and accessories made from recycled materials such as old tires, plastic bags, and discarded fabric. The global fashion industry can adopt similar practices by incorporating circular economy principles, which prioritize reducing waste and extending the life cycle of products.

Nigeria also has a growing movement towards sustainable production practices, such as sustainable dyeing and printing methods, zero-waste production, and ethical labor practices. For example, fashion brand, Orange Culture, uses natural dyeing methods and promotes ethical labor practices.

III. Business Models:

Sustainable business models are critical to promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Nigeria’s fashion industry has a history of creating sustainable business models, such as the “kaya-kaya” model, which involves producing and selling clothing at a low cost to cater to low-income consumers. Adopting similar business models in the global fashion industry could promote accessibility to sustainable fashion, reduce overconsumption, and support sustainable livelihoods.

Other sustainable business models in Nigeria include collaborations and partnerships between designers, artisans, and local communities. For example, fashion brand, Ethical Fashion Initiative, collaborates with local artisans to create sustainable fashion products, while designer, Lisa Folawiyo, collaborates with local artisans to create handcrafted textiles.

IV. Retail and Consumer Behavior Practices:

Retail and consumer behavior practices are also vital in promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Nigeria has a strong culture of second-hand clothing markets, such as “Okrika,” where second-hand clothes are sold at affordable prices. This promotes sustainability by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of clothing. Adopting similar practices in the global fashion industry, such as promoting the resale of clothing, could lead to reduced environmental impact and promote sustainable consumption.

Nigeria also has a growing online marketplace for sustainable fashion products, such as the Sustainable Fashion Lagos online store, which promotes sustainable fashion products from local designers and artisans.

V. Challenges:

The Nigerian fashion industry also faces challenges in promoting sustainable fashion practices, such as limited access to sustainable materials, lack of awareness, and insufficient policy support. For example, there is a lack of infrastructure to support sustainable fashion practices, such as recycling and waste management facilities, and there is limited access to sustainable materials due to the dominance of fast fashion and lack of investment in sustainable materials. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness about sustainable fashion practices among consumers and limited policy support to promote sustainable fashion practices.

VI. Conclusion:

The Nigerian fashion industry has developed unique sustainable fashion practices that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially and economically beneficial. By adopting these sustainable practices, the global fashion industry can promote sustainability, reduce waste and pollution, and support sustainable livelihoods. However, to overcome the challenges facing the Nigerian fashion industry, there is a need for increased investment in sustainable materials, infrastructure, and policies that promote sustainable fashion practices. By working together, we can create a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry for all.