Planet
How is fashion affecting the planet? Fashion is an industry that manufactures garments for the whole world, whilst polluting the planet simultaneously. The current model for the fashion industry was not designed with sustainable values in consideration due to the micro-seasons occurring every other week. Ultimately, the designs and creations could not retain its value to consumers which has caused millions of garments to end up in landfills every week (Rimarcikova, 2023). As a result of the fashion industry being a major contributor towards the rise in CO2 levels, it has been proposed that the industry must cut down the percentage of CO2 levels by 50% by 2050 to see change before the damage is irreversible (Rimarcikova, 2023).
Thus, the industry needs to claim responsibility for the actions they have executed. Over the course of the past few years, there has been a rise in corporate social responsibility and a shift in attitude of consumers (Hethorn and Ulasewicz, 2015). However, the sustainable actions could be due to the UN designing an agenda for sustainable development across all sectors of the world, including fashion, which aims to make a positive planetary impact by 2030. Involving the 2030 agenda, there were 17 sustainable development goals(SDGs) which were devised to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace for the people (Department for International Development, 2021). One of the 17 SDGs is responsible consumption and production, meaning consumers should purchase more thoughtfully and the manufacturing of products should become more ethical.
Filippa K which is a high quality Swedish fashion brand that produces timeless clothing which aims to eliminate all toxic chemicals throughout the production and prolong the life-cycle of their products (Hvass, 2015). The timelessness style ensures that they meet the needs of the consumers rather than the fast-ending trends; building a “smart” wardrobe instead of throwing away the clothing after a single wear. In 2008, the brand opened a second-hand store which involved their customers returning their clothing and earning 50% of the proceeds if the item was sold; supporting their reuse principle and the UN’s objective.
Part of the change moving forward within the fashion industry in terms of sustainability is also removing the stigma surrounding “used” clothing (Fletcher and Grose, 2012). Becoming a circular economy would become essential since its model is to recycle and reuse as well as producing and manufacturing garments with consideration towards the impact on the earth. This concept has been widely accepted in western society, however it has been disregarded by other countries and societies that are not open-minded. The argument against sustainable fashion is the price, speed and accessibility, although ultimately fast fashion becomes a zero-sum game (Hethorn and Ulasewicz, 2015). For one’s brief moment of happiness costs the sacrifice of someone else. Would you be willing to choose your happiness at the expense of another human?
References:
Department for International Development (2021) Implementing the sustainable development goals, GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementing-the-sustainable-development-goals/implementing-the-sustainable-development-goals–2#contents [Accessed: 06 October 2023]
Fletcher, K. and Grose, L. (2012) Fashion & Sustainability Design for Change, Laurence King Publishing. (Print)
Hethorn, J. and Ulasewicz, C. (2015). Sustainable fashion : what’s next? : a conversation about issues, practices and possibilities. New York: Bloomsbury, Fairchild Books, An Imprint Of Bloomsbury Publishing Inc. (Print)
Hvass, KK (2015), ‘Business Model Innovation through Second Hand Retailing: A Fashion Industry Case’, Journal of Corporate Citizenship, no. 57, pp. 11-32. [Accessed 4 October 2023]
Rimarcikova, K (2023) ‘Planet Earth & Fashion’ (Lecture)