Planet
Planet is one of the four pillars of the circular economy, along with people, profit, and purpose. The circular economy is a system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. It is a way of designing, making, and using things that benefit both the environment and society (Gwilt, 2020).
Sustainability in relation to fashion means creating and consuming clothes in a way that minimizes the negative impacts on the planet and its inhabitants while maximizing the positive ones. It involves considering the whole life cycle of a garment, from the sourcing of raw materials to the production, distribution, use, and disposal of the product (Hethorn & Ulasewicz, 2015).
One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the United Nations that has relevance and an impact on the fashion industry is SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This goal aims to ensure that people have access to quality products and services that meet their needs while reducing the environmental footprint of consumption and production. It also promotes resource efficiency, circularity, and innovation in all sectors, including fashion (Mitterfellner, 2023).
The fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting industries in the world. It consumes large amounts of water, energy, land, and chemicals, and generates huge amounts of waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxic substances. According to a report by the United Nations Alliance on Sustainable Fashion, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to its long supply chains and energy-intensive production. The industry also contributes to water pollution, deforestation, and waste generation. Between 80 and 100 billion new clothing garments are produced globally every year, and 87% of the materials and fibers used to make clothing will end up in either incinerators or landfills. Only 20% of discarded textiles are collected, and only 1% of clothes will get recycled into new garments.
To achieve SDG 12, the fashion industry needs to adopt more sustainable practices throughout its value chain, such as using renewable and recycled materials, implementing efficient and clean production methods, designing for durability and recyclability, offering repair and reuse services, and educating consumers on how to care for and dispose of their clothes responsibly. By doing so, the fashion industry can reduce its environmental impact, create new business opportunities, and enhance its social responsibility.
In conclusion, sustainability is an important concept that is relevant to many industries, including fashion, and it’s also an important part of protecting the Earth’s environment. By adopting sustainable practices, we can reduce waste, promote ethical labor practices, and protect the environment.
Reference list:
Gwilt, A. (2020). A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion. London: Fairchild Books.
Hethorn, J., & Ulasewicz, C. (eds). (2015). Sustainable Fashion: What’s Next? A Conversation about Issues, Practices and Possibilities. New York: Bloomsbury
Mitterfellner, O. (2023) Luxury Fashion Brand Management and sustainability: Unifying fashion with sustainability. New York: Routledge.