Planet
The Planet Pillar refers to the critical contribution that nature makes to human life and recognizes the state of our natural environment.
A model of consumption and production which revolves around restorative and regenerative design is essential in benefitting the environment. Currently, the fashion industry operates in a way where producing, distributing, and using clothing are in an almost entirely linear way. This not only drives pressure on resources, but also pollutes and degrades the natural environment and its ecosystems, which eventually creates significant societal effects. In a circular economy, resources are retained at their highest value during use, and re-enter the economy after use, creating a cycle which allows for zero-waste. A circular economy in fashion increases utility of clothing, creates safe and renewable inputs, and provide solutions to used and unwanted clothes to give them a new life, capturing the full value of each individual piece.
Sustainability in fashion is not only about protection of the environment, but also those producing it. Afterall, the planet pillar is all about the co-relation between the environment and effect on mankind. The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, still operating with unethical practices such as child labour, unfair wages and unsafe working conditions as well as overproduction. Sustainable fashion is addressing these critical issues and creating a healthy eco-system for clothes and fashion products to be created and consumed.
SDG 12 refers to the responsible consumption and production. This SDG is directly related to the fashion industry, which is infamously known for its overproduction and overconsumption practices. This goal was implemented with the purpose of instilling a habit of consciousness onto consumers, to educate them to have a responsible thought process to make a more informed purchase. This goal also affects production of products, by raising awareness on unethical commercial practices that cause poverty or pollution.
References
Chan, E. (2022) ’16 things Everyone should know about sustainable fashion,’ British Vogue, 18 April. https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/sustainable-fashion.
Goal 12 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs (no date). https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12.