Planet.
The planet pillar is described as maintaining ecological integrity and being conscious of all resources and ecosystems, the fashion industry is responsible for a shocking four to ten percent of global greenhouse gas emissions every year – a figure that can’t be overlooked considering the urgency of the climate crisis. The industry is also responsible for being the second largest consumer of water and is accountable for 20% of global wastewater. For example, it takes 20,000 litres of water to produce one kilogram of cotton and 2,700 litres to make a single T-shirt (Earth organization, 2022). The culture generated by fast fashion to update our wardrobes for this seasons new look has not only generated high levels of water pollution, but also caused contamination and waste with detrimental effects on the environment and human health.
The circular economy is a model that describes a journey of how we use resources, in the circular journey resources are taken and turned into a product that consumers can then purchase and use, ensuring that the product can be used until it gets to the point where it needs to be turned into something else i.e. recycled. This opposes a linear model of buying items and using them once or twice then throwing it away. By repairing, swapping and shopping second hand and vintage we can contribute towards circular fashion movements.
Sustainability in relation to fashion is a concept that maintains a balance, there are 7 billion people on our planet yet 120 billion garments are produced annually. This overconsumption can be combated through considerate shopping, sustainability consultancy eco ages chief strategy officer Harriett Vocking advises that you ask yourself three all-important questions: “What are you buying and why? What do you really need? Will you wear it at least 30 times?”. Ultimately we should all strive to buy less and buy better, ”buying better can also mean supporting designers who are promoting sustainable practices, including the likes of Ahluwalia, Conner Ives and Collina Strada who all use upcycled textiles in their designs.” (Chan) 2022.
Considering the number of factors involved, there are still too few brands currently tackling all of these complex issues, and even those that are will admit that there’s always room for improvement. This means simply shopping for items labelled “sustainable” is not enough; we need to completely rethink our purchasing habits and the way we consume clothes.
In 2015, the United Nations introduced 17 sustainable development goals, falling under three categories: ecological, social, and economic. While multiple goals impact the fashion industry, Goal 12, “Responsible Consumption and Production,” holds particular significance given the detrimental consequences from the fashion industry, in relation to this goal some manufacturers have started to use the concept Just in Time (JIT). This means products can be manufactured 30/40% quicker, resulting in no unnecessary stock. (Gwilt 2020). Reducing waste as well as emissions from production levels.