Planet
Sustainability has a longstanding presence in the fashion industry, dating back to the 1960s when countercultural movements challenged mainstream fashion. However, well before the current era of abundant consumer goods, the efficient utilization of resources was a fundamental aspect of everyday life (Hethorn and Ulasewicz, 2015). By the late 19th century, technological advancements revolutionized production processes, and department stores made fashionable clothing accessible to people of all social classes, albeit with environmental and labour-related concerns often hidden from the public eye. Nevertheless, in recent decades, there has been an increased awareness of environmental concerns in textile and apparel production, leading to some positive changes in the industry.
The United Nations has laid out a comprehensive framework for a sustainable future through its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals collectively form a blueprint for achieving peace and prosperity for both humanity and the planet, encompassing both the present and future generations (United Nations, 2023). Specifically, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production calls for a mindful approach to consumption patterns. It encourages individuals and communities to minimize waste and reduce negative environmental and social impacts, emphasizing efficient resource utilization and sustainable daily choices. A noteworthy example of such commitment to sustainability is luxury designer Stella McCartney, which strives to create alluring products with minimal environmental impact. McCartney’s approach prioritizes cutting-edge, eco-friendly materials, cruelty-free practices, and adherence to circularity principles (McCartney, 2023).
Circularity in the fashion industry represents a sustainable paradigm shift, aiming to minimize waste and maximise the value of clothing and textiles. This approach seeks to establish a closed-loop system where clothing and materials are reused, refurbished, or recycled rather than being discarded. The Brundtland Report which introduced the concept of sustainability, defines it as “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs” (Gro Harlem Brundtland, Australia. Commission For The Future and World Commission On Environment And Development, 1990). The report also outlines three foundational sustainability pillars that are pivotal to a responsible and ethical industry. These pillars include environmental sustainability, focusing on reducing the ecological footprint; social sustainability, emphasising fair labour practices and workers’ well-being; and economic sustainability, promoting profitability while considering long-term impacts. In essence, these sustainability pillars are the cornerstones of a circular fashion approach, fostering a more responsible and equitable industry. This approach prioritises resource efficiency and aims to deliver enduring social and environmental benefits in line with the overarching goals of the UN’s SDGs.
References:
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Australia. Commission For The Future and World Commission On Environment And Development (1990). Our Common Future. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Hethorn, J. and Ulasewicz, C. (2015). Sustainable fashion : what’s next? : a conversation about issues, practices and possibilities. New York: Bloomsbury, Fairchild Books, An Imprint Of Bloomsbury Publishing Inc.
McCartney, S. (2023). Sustainability. [online] www.stellamccartney.com. Available at: https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/sustainability/sustainability.html.
United Nations (2023). The 17 Sustainable Development Goals. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals.