World Environment Day 2025:
Embracing Sustainable Fashion Practices

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As we commemorate World Environment Day, it's imperative to reflect on the environmental impact of our choices, particularly in the fashion industry. The fashion sector is a significant contributor to global pollution, but by adopting sustainable practices, we can mitigate its adverse effects.

The Role of Organic Agriculture in Fashion

Organic farming plays a pivotal role in reducing the environmental footprint of textile production. Unlike conventional agriculture, which relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic methods promote soil health, biodiversity, and water safety by working with, rather than against, natural systems [1].

This approach not only protects surrounding ecosystems, but also safeguards the well-being of farmers, reducing their exposure to toxic substances that are common in industrial agriculture. Research shows that organic systems reduce pesticide use by up to 97% and cut nitrate leaching by nearly 50%, helping to prevent contamination of waterways and groundwater [2,3].

Moreover, organic farming enhances soil structure and fertility, increasing organic carbon content by around 26% compared to conventional systems [2]. The presence of soil biodiversity—especially earthworms—is also significantly higher, with studies showing 30–40% greater abundance in organically managed soils [2,4]. This rise in biological activity improves water retention, nutrient cycling, and long-term productivity [2].

In the context of textile fibers like organic cotton or regenerative plant-based materials, these benefits translate into clothing that begins its life cycle with care—for people, for the planet, and for the future of farming.

Natural and GOTS-Certified Dyes: A Healthier Alternative

The dyeing process in textile manufacturing is one of the most chemically intensive phases—often overlooked, yet deeply impactful. Today, the industry uses more than 3,600 synthetic dyes and over 8,000 chemical substances across processes like dyeing, fixing, and printing [5]. Many of these compounds are derived from petroleum, and up to 40% contain chlorinated elements, which have been linked to carcinogenic effects and persistent environmental harm [5,6].

These chemicals can leach into waterways, affect aquatic life, and expose workers and nearby communities to long-term health risks. Without adequate regulation or wastewater treatment, the environmental toll is profound [5,6].

In contrast, natural dyes, sourced from plants, minerals, or insects, offer a biodegradable and non-toxic alternative. They reconnect color-making with traditional knowledge and reduce dependency on fossil-based chemicals [7]. To ensure both safety and accountability, certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) go a step further: even when synthetic dyes are used, they must comply with strict criteria that ban harmful substances, mandate wastewater treatment, and uphold fair labor conditions [8].

Importance of Traceability and Transparency

In today's fashion landscape, transparency is no longer optional—it’s expected. Consumers increasingly want to know where their garments come from, who made them, and how they were produced. In fact, recent data shows that 54% of consumers associate traceability with the fashion industry, and 57% link it directly to sustainability [9].

Traceability empowers brands to monitor every stage of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final production. It allows for the verification of claims—like whether cotton is truly organic, or whether wool was sourced from farms practicing animal welfare [9]. This level of visibility ensures ethical practices, better quality control, and real-time accountability [9,10].

More than a marketing tool, traceability is a key mechanism for driving systemic change. It fosters trust between brands and consumers, but also puts pressure on the industry to improve labor conditions, reduce environmental harm, and prioritize fairness. It is particularly vital for protecting workers’ rights and promoting social justice across the textile sector [9,10].

At the same time, the lack of transparent data—especially on waste, emissions, and chemical use—continues to block the adoption of circular models [11]. Without understanding what goes into and comes out of each step, truly regenerative fashion remains out of reach.

The Hidden Impact of Garment Components

When we think of sustainable clothing, we often focus on the fabric—but true sustainability goes deeper. Every detail in a garment—from zippers and buttons to thread, elastics, and labels—plays a crucial role in its overall environmental footprint. and heavy-metal dyes.

Though small, these components are far from insignificant. In fact, non-textile elements can account for a notable share of a garment’s total impact, especially when made from synthetic or composite materials that are difficult to recycle or biodegrade. These parts often become the barriers that prevent otherwise eco-friendly garments from entering a circular system [12,13].

Research shows that when brands prioritize natural or recyclable materials in every element, the result is a piece that’s not only lower impact to produce, but also easier to repair, compost, or recover at end-of-life [13]. For a garment to break down harmlessly in nature, every layer—every stitch—must be chosen with that goal in mind.

Benefits of Localized Production

Producing garments within a single country offers far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond reducing carbon emissions [14]. Localized production not only minimizes the environmental impact of long-distance transport, but also strengthens local economies, preserves cultural heritage, and enables closer oversight of labor and quality standards.

When fashion stays rooted in place, it can serve as a vehicle for circular economy models—where materials, skills, and value remain within communities rather than being outsourced and diluted [15]. Moreover, local production helps protect and revive ancestral knowledge, such as traditional textile techniques and dyeing methods that are often lost in mass manufacturing [14,15].

Still, the path is clear: when we produce close to home, we don’t just reduce impact—we restore connection between what we wear, who makes it, and the land it comes from.

Preserving Ancestral Knowledge in Textile Practices

Across the Andean region and beyond, Indigenous and pre-Hispanic cultures hold deep-rooted knowledge in sustainable textile creation. From natural dyeing with plants and minerals, to intricate hand weaving, to the careful cultivation and harvesting of native fibers—these practices have been passed down over generations, shaped by a worldview that sees nature not as a resource, but as kin [9,16].

Far from being relics of the past, these traditions offer viable, ecological solutions for today’s fashion challenges. They reflect a system where environmental health and social well-being are deeply interconnected. Handmade processes, local materials, and seasonal rhythms result in textiles that are low-impact, long-lasting, and culturally significant [16].

By integrating Indigenous knowledge into contemporary fashion, we don’t just reduce environmental harm—we also honor identity, heritage, and resilience. These ancestral methods offer a living blueprint for circular and regenerative design, proving that sustainability is not a new concept, but one that has existed for centuries in communities that live in balance with their ecosystems [9,17].

AYA's Commitment to Sustainable Fashion

Each June 5th, the world pauses to reflect on our relationship with the Earth. It’s a reminder that every decision—from what we eat to what we wear—leaves an imprint. But it’s also a celebration: of resilience, of renewal, of the possibility to live and create in harmony with the natural world.

At AYA, this vision isn’t reserved for one day—it guides everything we do. Our approach to fashion is rooted in integrity, reverence, and regeneration. We believe that sustainability must be holistic, touching every part of the process. That’s why we use organic Peruvian Pima cotton with natural and GOTS-certified dyes that protect both ecosystems and people. We guarantee complete traceability by having all our production in Peru, minimizing emissions while uplifting local communities and honor the ancestral knowledge of Andean and Amazonian cultures, weaving heritage into every thread.

This World Environment Day, we reaffirm that commitment by not just creating responsibly, but by sharing knowledge, amplifying tradition, and inviting our community to grow with us—toward a future where fashion truly gives back to the Earth.

How can your fashion choices contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world?

Authors & Researchers

Jordy Munarriz

Environmental Engineer with a master's degree in renewable energy and a specialization in sustainability. Researcher and writer, he combines his technical knowledge with his passion for environmental communication, addressing topics of ecological impact and sustainable solutions in the textile industry and beyond.