Planet
As the planet is an environment for survival, the diversity of life on this planet is essential for the development of mankind. However, according to the Population Matters (n.d.), due to the increased demand for energy as well as various materials, nature is suffering from severe pollution and has led to the extinction of many species, which has ultimately resulted in a much higher rate of biodiversity erosion. To change the situation, measures regarding environmental sustainability should be taken into consideration.
The fashion industry produces a huge amount of waste to the environment due to the overproduction and ultimately underutilisation of many clothes (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, n.d.). Consumers excessively waste unused or underused clothing and do not reuse products to extend their life. This also relates to the UN SDGs Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, which is designed to maintain the standard of living for current and future generations through sustainable consumption and production patterns, by encouraging a change in consumption habits, and consumers should be thoughtful during their purchases, reducing waste and choosing sustainable products wherever possible (United Nations, n.d.).
Achieving sustainability in the fashion industry will also contribute to environmental sustainability. The circular economy, as a model of production and consumption that includes sharing, renting and repairing, extends the life cycle of products by recycling and using existing materials on a long-term basis. Meanwhile, in the process, waste is minimised but more value can be created (European Parliament, 2023). Circular fashion is one of the key factors for the fashion industry to achieve sustainability and in this model, resources will be utilised for as long as possible, which is in line with the principles of the circular economy. Therefore, both ultimate models promote environmental sustainability based on the principles of eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature.
Reference list
ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. (n.d.). Fashion and the circular economy. [online] Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/fashion-and-the-circular-economy-deep-dive?_ga=2.156801339.1219036575.1660665039-170758297.1654013160&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9-6oBhBaEiwAHv1QvA3jg6nFmBblGa-p8EQrsGLKlWoawplRuR6arFQMjdBnFnbWoyFkdxoCZAcQAvD_BwE [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023].
European Parliament (2023). Circular economy: definition, Importance and Benefits | News | European Parliament. [online] www.europarl.europa.eu. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/economy/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits [Accessed 4 Oct. 2023].
Population Matters. (n.d.). Biodiversity. [online] Available at: https://populationmatters.org/biodiversity/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9-6oBhBaEiwAHv1QvD4CnjdUOAvMPEpuG7yvordkEppbbkugC6sMQPNwpTjRxy-biCENHRoCspcQAvD_BwE [Accessed 3 Oct. 2023].
United Nations (n.d.). Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. [online] United Nations Sustainable Development. Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/ [Accessed 4 Oct. 2023].