Sustainability in Fashion
The fashion industry is recognised for many things, but sustainability isn’t one of them. Fashion constantly exploits limited resources to make pieces that majority of the time will end up in landfills. All whilst being responsible for up to 10% of global CO2 emissions and many other factors that make it critical to implement changes. Aligning with the United Nation’s Sustainable development goals by 2030 will be a worthwhile challenge to preserve the resources left and limit global warming. If nothing changes, the Apparel Impact Institute has published a report that predicts how much CO2 emissions are projected to grow.
Sustainability in fashion refers to a larger commitment to environmental and social responsibility. It means considering the environmental impact of resources, manufacturing methods, and distribution throughout the supply chain. Stella McCartney is an example of another luxury brand by using alternative and innovative materials like MIRUM “an entirely plastic-, fossil fuel- and water-free alternative to animal leather” (MIRUM® Plastic-Free Alternative to Animal Leather | Stella McCartney UK, no date) made using 100% natural ingredients like cotton and rubber. However, cotton is a widely used natural fabric that factors into the overconsumption of water at a staggering rate of 93 billion cubic meters used each year, which is enough drinking water for five million people (The World Bank, 2019). As a result, Stella McCartney grows organic cotton using regenerative farming practices to prioritise the restoration of soil health. This allows the soil to perform more efficiently by retaining water for less water usage and carbon, potentially reducing up to 37% of global carbon emissions by 2030. (Organic Cotton, no date).
SDG 12 is a major sustainable goal that applies to the fashion industry, as it represents responsible consumption and production. This emphasises improving resource efficiency by decreasing waste and supporting sustainable production and consumption practices.
The fashion industry has seen a shift in the past decade, changing its focus to sustainability and embracing the ideas of the circular economy. A method of promoting practices such as recycling, upcycling, and mending to extend the life of pieces produced. Materials are sourced sustainably, clothing is designed for durability, and post-consumer goods are gathered and returned to the production cycle.
As Generation Z continues to grow conscious of the consequences of their purchases, businesses are pushed to appeal to their consumers by attempting to achieve sustainability. Many fast fashion brands have gone as far as greenwashing and making claims towards a sustainable agenda while avoiding transparency for reasons we can only assume to be that it was all a ruse.
SDG 12 advocates the shift from fast fashion to slow fashion. Due to fast fashion brands, like Zara, manage to put out new garments every 15 days leading to overproduction and more landfill waste, whilst promoting underutilization because trends are always changing. However, Slow fashion emphasises quality, durability, and responsible production.
Finally, the circular economy and sustainability in fashion are connected concepts that fight to transform the industry for the better. The fashion industry has the ability to decrease its environmental effects and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future by aligning with SDG 12 with circular fashion. It’s a path that will require both fashion businesses and consumers to commit, but it promises a more sustainable and fashion-forward future for all.
Reference list
MIRUM® Plastic-Free Alternative to Animal Leather | Stella McCartney UK (no date) www.stellamccartney.com. Available at: https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/sustainability/mirum.html (Accessed: 9 October 2023).
Organic Cotton (no date) www.stellamccartney.com. Available at: https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/sustainability/organic-cotton.html (Accessed: 9 October 2023).
Sadowski, M. (2023) Taking Stock of Progress Against the Roadmap to Net Zero, Apparel Impact Institute, p. 10. Available at: https://apparelimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Taking-Stock-of-Progress-Against-the-Roadmap-to-Net-Zero.pdf (Accessed: 9 October 2023).
The World Bank (2019) How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment?, World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente#:~:text=Every%20year%20the%20fashion%20industry (Accessed: 9 October 2023).