Planet
The ‘planet’ pillar has grown to prominence in the fashion industry. From utilising renewable resources to adopting environmentally responsible practices, the focus on the planet pillar emphasises a conscientious effort to be more ethical and ecologically responsible.
Fashion, accounting for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, surpasses the combined impact of aviation and shipping(Mckinsey & Company 2002). According to WRAP(2017) around 300,000 tonnes of clothing is discarded, with 20% sent to landfill while 80% is incinerated(Gwilt, 2020). Moreover, Oxfam states that 2+ tonnes of clothing are bought each minute in the UK, with 11 million garments ending up in landfill each week. (Orsola de Castro, 2021) These alarming figures highlight the fashion industry’s unsustainable trajectory, and the need to shift towards sustainable alternatives.
One of the key concepts encapsulated by the planet pillar is the circular economy model. The linear model: ‘take, make, waste’ approach contributes significantly to environmental degradation, it leads to a system that is inefficient and costly; in contrast, the circular fashion industry focuses on ‘repair, reuse, adapting’, a regenerative system in which garments are articulated for as long as their maximum value is retained and then returned safely to the biosphere when they are no longer of use. A circular economy is certainly more systemic and ambitious as no new material input is needed which results in less waste and reduced costs. It is crucial that we transition to a circular economy in order to address our planet’s greatest challenges including resource scarcity and biodiversity loss. Nevertheless, the success of maintaining circular practices hinges on enhanced regulation and access to finance.
In recent years, fashion brands have increasingly recognised the importance of responsible sourcing of materials, a number of designs for sustainability concepts around cutting waste have emerged, from utilizing scraps in patchworked garments to recycling them into new yarns, such ideals are helping to slow the flow of waste in the fashion industry(Fletcher and Grose, 2012). This holistic approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal(SDGs) 12: Responsible consumption and production which is particularly relevant to the fashion industry. By integrating the planet pillar, the fashion industry contributes to the achievement of SDG12 by promoting responsible and sustainable consumption patterns. This not only addresses the broader environmental impact of the fashion industry on global resource consumption but also resonates with many consumers who feel environmentally responsible.