Fashion, Sustainability, and Impact

Why Sustainability Matters in Fashion: A Conversation with Genevieve Lawrence

At Cleobella, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a value that guides everything we do. As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to making decisions across our business that consider people, communities, and the planet. This month, our weekly video series has explored what sustainability really means for fashion, from carbon neutral and net zero goals to circular fashion, deadstock fabrics, and the significance of certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX.

To take the conversation further, we recently sat down with our sustainability consultant, Genevieve Lawrence, to talk about why sustainability is so important in fashion and how we, as a brand, can continue striving for meaningful impact.

Why It Matters

Fashion has the power to inspire, but it also carries responsibility. As Genevieve reminded us, “Sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.” The fashion industry has long been one of the most resource-intensive and polluting industries in the world. From water-heavy cotton production to plastics hidden in vegan leathers, the choices brands make ripple across communities and ecosystems.

At Cleobella, we aim to be transparent about the challenges and thoughtful about the solutions. Our sustainability series is designed to educate, share, and invite our community into the conversation.

Highlights from Our Sustainability Series So Far

In the first part of the series, Genevieve introduced the idea of living lighter and making more ethical choices every day. Since then, she has unpacked some of the biggest myths in fashion sustainability:

• Natural doesn’t always mean sustainable. Conventional cotton can be resource-intensive and harmful to the environment, which is why sourcing and certifications are so important.

• Vegan leather isn’t always eco-friendly. Many options are plastic-based, raising concerns about longevity and microplastic pollution.

• Donating clothing isn’t a perfect solution. Not all donated items are wearable, and much of it can end up as waste overseas.

These conversations set the stage for deeper dives into topics like the difference between carbon neutral and net zero, and the role certifications play in making fabrics safer for people and the planet.

Our Commitment

We know we don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to asking the right questions. As a B Corp, we’re constantly evaluating how our business decisions—from partnering with like-minded mills to using deadstock fabrics and certified materials, to designing clothing meant to be cherished for years—can align with our mission. Every step we take is aimed at lightening our footprint while amplifying our impact.

Join the Conversation

Sustainability is not a destination, it’s a journey we are on together. With Genevieve guiding us, we continue learning, innovating, and improving. Follow along with our August series, ask questions, and share your thoughts by adding us on Instagram @cleobella. The more we know, the better choices we can all make.