Planet pillar
Like any other industry, the fashion sector has its fundamental cornerstones: planet, people, profit, and purpose. These pillars are inseparable, forming a cohesive ecosystem. Introducing the planet pillar into this framework underscores the fashion industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability. According to the North London Waste Association (2022), the UK discards 10,000 pieces of clothing every five minutes, amounting to £140 million in value per year. Today, the world faces unprecedented questions about sustainability.
This is where the concept of a circular economy becomes imperative, representing a shift towards responsible and sustainable practices within the fashion industry. The core idea behind a circular economy is to extend the life cycle of products by implementing various processes in manufacturing and consumption, such as reuse, recycling, remanufacturing, and repairing. Embracing these changes would significantly reduce annual greenhouse emissions, landscape disruption, and the depletion of natural resources (European Parliament, 2023).
The fashion industry is accountable for 20% of global wastewater. It takes 20,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of cotton and 2,700 liters to make a single T-shirt (Earth organization, 2022). Undoubtedly, sustainability principles aren’t new to the fashion world. What eco-activists have been advocating for the past decade is, in fact, a revival of a longstanding ethos. Long before the current consumer culture and the abundance of goods, the fashion industry embraced sustainable practices, particularly during the counterculture movement of the 1960s. These principles emphasize the significance of economical resource use and responsible production methods, echoing a way of life that predates our current consumer culture (Hethorn, et al., 2015).
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. By aligning with this goal, the apparel sector can play a vital role in fostering a more sustainable future, addressing environmental concerns, promoting fair trade, and encouraging conscious consumer choices (United Nations, 2023). Various designers are tirelessly working on implementing multiple techniques and prioritizing eco-friendly materials. For instance, Stella McCartney has a robust sustainability vision. The brand utilizes recycled polyester, organic cotton, and regenerated cashmere while avoiding fur, leather, down, and angora. Additionally, the brand has policies in place to prevent deforestation in its supply chain. (Stella McCartney, 2023)
All in all, it is hard to overestimate the importance of sustainability in the fashion world. In an era where environmental concerns are critical , integrating sustainable practices is not merely a choice, but a necessity.
