Fashion Has a Nature Problem—Here’s How We Fix It

Fashion has a nature problem. And no, I’m not talking about floral prints.

For years, the industry has focused on reducing carbon emissions, which is important. But nature is more than just a climate statistic. Our rivers, forests, and soil—our planet’s living systems—are often left out of the conversation. And yet, they are the very things that sustain us.

The Hidden Cost of Our Clothes

The truth is, the way most clothes are made takes a huge toll on nature. The drive for more, faster, and cheaper has led to practices that exhaust the land, pollute water, and strip communities of their way of life. When was the last time you looked at a piece of clothing and wondered about its journey?

A new report by Textile Exchange found that while 52% of fashion brands have set climate targets, only 7% have goals for protecting nature. But nature isn’t something separate from us. It’s the air we breathe, the soil that grows our food, the fibers that become the clothes we wear every day. When we take care of it, it takes care of us.

We tend to think that Nature is something separate from us. But in truth, each choice we make degrades or regenerates it.

A Different Way Forward

After 8 years of running my farm-to-closet fashion brand, SukkhaCitta, I’ve seen firsthand how everything is connected.

The Ibus—our craftswomen and farmers—show us that when we nurture the land, it nurtures us right back. Healthy soil gives life. Clean rivers sustain communities. Regenerative traditions create resilience. And this wisdom, passed down for generations, holds the key to a future where fashion gives back instead of taking away.

That’s why we choose to work differently, even when its hard. We source our fibers directly from farmers who grow them without chemicals. We dye with plants, not toxins. We ensure every piece is made with dignity, by hands that are valued. Because sustainability isn’t just about reducing harm—it’s about restoring balance.

Bertram and Ibu Linna in one of our regenerative farming sites. Learn more about our Mama Tanah Fund and how you can help us scale this much needed program.

The Power of Our Choices

The best part? We’re all part of this story. Every choice—what we wear, how we buy, what we support—shapes the world we live in.

And that’s where our power lies. Every decision is a chance to align our values with our actions. A chance to choose clothing that heals instead of harms. To support the people and practices that honor our planet.

So next time you pick up a piece of clothing, ask: Who made this? What is it made of? What kind of future does it create? Because the more we ask, the more we realize that change isn’t out of reach—it starts with us.

And together, we can create a world where both nature and people thrive.