Planet
The fashion industry has been highlighted as one of the most wasteful industries globally. This means its progression towards sustainably can make a significant impact on what is now the world’s biggest challenge. How do we supply ongoing fashion trends and creativity yet protect our planet? Sustainability, can be categorised into four fundamental pillars; planet, people, purpose and profit, these pillars are designed to identify the demands that will reduce carbon emissions and environmental degeneration. Fast-fashion, over-production and excessive consumption have sky-rocketed as the cost of living and the demand for low-cost alternatives increase. Additionally, the modern-day consumer purchases and disposes an alarming amount of clothing due to the desire to keep up with the latest trends, as well as the lack of understanding or knowledge of alternatives. As Katarina Rimarcikova stated in a recent lecture “Textiles production causes 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions per year as well as producing 120 billion individual garments ( Rimarcikova,2023)
Circular economy is an approach that aims to increase clothing utilisation, improve recycling, phase out the use of harmful chemicals and microfibres used in manufacturing and lastly making effective use of resources and transitioning to renewable inputs. “The true value of the material being recycled during this process is reduced or ‘downcycled’. In a circular system the highest value of a material should be retained for as long as possible.”(A, Gwilt, 2020). A circular fashion industry would ensure garments are retained for they maximum value and the returned to the biosphere via recycling and reproduction. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has been a significant driver in increasing awareness surrounding the importance circularity to eliminate waste and pollution. “The wasteful and polluting impacts of the industry are set to drastically increase by 2050”(Ellen Macarthur Foundation ,2017)
The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals in order to draw much needed attention to social, environmental and economic issues globally. Regarding the fashion industry goal number 12: Responsible Consumption and Production is relevant as it correlates to the mass amounts of waste generated throughout the life cycle of a garment. The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of humanity’s carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined (UNEP, 2019). Whether it be large brands or individual designers it is crucial the concept of sustainable garments is prioritised and innovation in terms of production methods and consumption habits are prolonged in order to secure a more environmentally conscious future.
Reference List
Ellen Macarthur Foundation (2022). Fashion and the circular economy. [online] ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/fashion-and-the-circular-economy-deep-dive [Accessed 5 Oct. 2023].
Gwilt, A. (2020). A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion. London: Fairchild Books.
Rimarcikova, K. (2023). Planet Earth & Fashion (Lecture). 02/10/23
UNEP (2019). UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion Addresses Damage of ‘Fast Fashion’. [online] UNEP – UN Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-alliance-sustainable-fashion-addresses-damage-fast-fashion [Accessed 6 Oct. 2023].