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Leaps in Fashion: A New Standard in Sustainability

By DIRT Charity

The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Each of us makes a conscious choice every day with what we wear, but how often do we consider the environmental impact of our wardrobe? Thankfully, DIRT Charity is making waves to address this pressing issue by driving systemic change with the introduction of regenerative standards in the fashion textiles industry.

On September 24, 2024, DIRT Charity, in collaboration with the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International (BFDI), launched the Demeter Textile Standards — a groundbreaking certification system designed to revolutionise how fashion is produced, processed, and disposed of. These standards cover ten key raw materials, including cotton, wool, silk, leather, and emerging alternatives like mushroom leather. The goal is to ensure every step of the supply chain positively impacts the environment, from sustainable farming practices to compostable end-of-life disposal.

image from DIRTY Charity from photographer Nicci McClarron, shows two women standing in icelandic moorland, holding a large ribbon of fabric over a stream

Unlike existing certifications, the Demeter Textile Standards take a holistic approach. The standards certify that garments are produced in a way that enhances soil health, reduces water usage, eliminates toxic chemicals, and prioritizes fair treatment of workers. Each part of the garment, from the fabrics to the dyes and even the buttons, is held to strict environmental and social guidelines. The aim is to create a truly regenerative fashion industry that not only reduces its environmental footprint but actively restores ecosystems.

DIRT Charity’s founder, Arizona Muse, highlights the importance of this shift: “We recognize the urgent need for more sustainable practices in the fashion industry. By collaborating with Demeter, we are
paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and responsible approach to textile production. Now all we need from you, the consumers, is to demand the Demeter label on your clothes.”

As consumers, we have the power to demand change, and with the Demeter Textile Standards, we can choose garments that meet the highest environmental and ethical standards. By transforming the fashion supply chain, DIRT Charity is paving the way for fashion to become part of the solution, not the problem.