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PLANET

“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” – Anna Lappé

Trendy Today, Trash Tomorrow

Fashion isn’t free, someone somewhere is paying. The environmental ”cost” of the fashion industry is substantial and affects the planet’s health and well-being of future generations. Planet as a pillar in the fashion industry focuses on the environmental sustainability and its negative impact on the planet. Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. Nearly 10% of microplastics dispersed in the ocean each year come from textiles. $500 billion is lost each year because of under-wearing and failure to recycle clothes. Fast fashion generates double the amount of CO2 than aviation and shipping combined. Hence this pillar is essential as it circumscribes various initiatives and practices aimed at minimising the industry’s ecological footprint.

In fashion, circular economy represents a shift away from the traditional, resource-intensive, and wasteful linear fashion model towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach that values reduce, repair, reuse, recycle, repurpose, restore and regenerate. Organisations are now calling for a circular economy to urgently reduce the fashion world’s environmental impact. Fashion giant H&M has made a significant commitment to its SDG initiatives, such as reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Swedish home-retail conglomerate IKEA has made strides towards promoting recycling as it allows customers to return their furniture . On that account, during these worrisome times, circularity shouldn’t just be a trend; but an axile shift towards a more sustainable and responsible industry.

“Fashion should be a form of escapism and not a form of imprisonment.”(Alexander McQueen). Sustainable fashion is a term that’s increasingly used these days, as we all become ever more aware of the serious environmental impact of our clothes. But what does sustainable fashion actually mean? In short, it’s an umbrella term for clothes that are created and consumed in a way that can be, quite literally, sustained, while protecting both the environment and those producing garments. It may be a cliche, but the mantra “buy less and buy better” is key when you consider that a staggering 100 billion garments are being produced globally every year. “We should be committed to using vegan and cruelty-free materials, avoiding the use of fur and leather. The organisations should also prioritise sustainable sourcing, using organic cotton, regenerated fibers, and innovative eco-friendly materials throughout.”(Stella McCartney) Thus sustainability is the only response to the industry’s historically high environmental and social costs.

When we refer to UN SDGs in fashion, they are typically discussing how the fashion industry can align with and contribute to the set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations. It addresses various social, economical and environmental challenges and promote sustainibility and equality by 2030. Fashion brands that embrace the UN SDGs in their operations aim to make a positive impact by addressing issues like poverty, gender equality, clean water, decent work, responsible consumption and enviromental protection . SDG6, which stands for ”clean water and sanitation” is apposite to fashion industry primarily due to its significant water consumption and potential impact on water quality. Many textile manufacturing processes generate polluted wastewater that is very harmful to the present and the future of this planet. In summary, the industry can contribute to the this SDG by reducing its water consumption, improving water management and minimizing water pollution throughout the supply chain.

In conclusion I would like to quote Emma Watson, ”Fashion has the power to change lives. Let’s use that power for good, embracing sustainability and empowering a brighter future.”

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