Planet
The planet pillar refers to the devastation of the planet. Textiles alone produce 1.2 billion Tonnes of CO2 annually (Katerina Rimarcikova, LCF lecture) and aid significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 10% of them (Oxfam, 2019). Not only do textiles fundamentally contribute to the state of the environment, but the use of finite resources such as crude oil, which releases emissions; acid gases such as hydrogen chloride, especially from polyester manufacturing. (Luz Claudio, 2007). From the manufacturing to the disposal of clothes, it is highlighted as the second most wasteful, polluting industry and an infinite lead to the ‘dead’ planet.
Fashion is currently under a linear fashion model. This means businesses operate with maximum production and consumption. However, regarding the planet’s welfare, a circular economy must be adopted due to the threat of resources and the consumers concern of the environmental impact when purchasing fast fashion. What is a circular economy? – Circular fashion ditches the linear “take-make-waste” model and asks the industry to close the loop on production, including responsible manufacturing, use, and end-of-life for every garment. (madeleine hill, September 2022). “The Ellen MacArthur Foundation describes CE as not reducing negative impacts but representing a systematic shift that builds long-term resilience.” (Gwilt, A 2020 p10). This shows how the journey of responsible practice and reservation of resources was not overnight; it is a process which requires re-establishment of consumers behavior.
The fashion industry needs redesign. Global pollution and exploitative manufacture create an extensive list of social injustices. However, it has helped popularize sustainability — spotlighting greener products, alarming climate change and moving consumers from fast fashion. To achieve durable, affordable fabrics, 60% of clothing is plastic (UNEP). Globally, its estimated that just 12% of clothes end up being recylced .(Rachel Pells, journalist), with the complex composition it makes it almost impossible to always recycle and without these fibers’ clothes would not have the same properties; it is a challenge.
The united goals (number 12, Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns) are applicable to the mass amount of over consumption and the patterns in production which need to be prioritized to secure a more environmentally friendly future. To ensure sustainable consumption and production practices, it entails respecting the biophysical boundaries of the planet and reducing global consumption rates to fit with the biophysical capacity. (UN environment program). The key word is to respect the boundaries of the planet; we need to ensure effective use of resources, improve energy efficiency create a sustainable infrastructure, create green and decent jobs, and ensure a better quality of life, before the planet can be saved.