Planet

The fashion industry is unique in so far as it is one of the few industries which encompasses a wide range of factors such as: oil, politics, water and energy usage, workers rights, transport, plus many more. It is also one of the biggest contributors to the deterioration of the planet, accounting for “10% of carbon emissions; this being more than the aviation and shipping industry combined.” (Ro 2020) Although this sounds devastating there is hope as some of the new generation appear to reject the linear economy and instead favour a circular economy. A circular economy is one where instead of using and abusing the planet consumers use, renew, recycle and therefore, in this instance, give a longer life to the clothes they are buying. Furthermore, many consumers are changing their habits instead of buying cheap and binning, they are investing in higher quality products which have a longer life, ultimately resulting in less waste. However, not all 21st century consumers are following this movement. 

When discussing sustainability in relation to the fashion industry we are not only talking about reducing carbon emissions and wastage but also how the workers who are making the garments are treated and paid. Sustainability encapsulates equality, ethics and protection of the planet. 

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a compilation of 17 goals which aim to create a more equal and prosperous world. One of the goals which has significant relevance on the fashion industry is goal 12 “Responsible consumption and Production.” This refers to: “making our energy supplies more sustainable, reducing consumption and waste.” (UN 2016) Previously mentioned the fashion industry is accountable for 10% of carbon emissions and creates “92 million tonnes of waste annually.” (Ruiz 2023) Presently, many consumers are not acting in a responsible or sustainable way. These goals have been made to urge consumers to change their habits not only to benefit others but also themselves. Ultimately we all share the same home. 

The ease of shopping in a 21st century society has acted as a catalyst in creating the disease which is fast fashion. It has never been easier to cost effectively over consume and waste millions of garments every year. The UN is urging consumers to switch their habits and instead of buying cheap and binning, invest in sustainable products which will last multiple seasons, thus reducing waste. However, the principle of fast fashion has been ingrained into consumers’ mindsets through irresistible marketing and breaking the cycle will prove to be difficult. Castro sums up in her 2021 novel ‘Loved clothes last’ that “today’s consumerism is our crack cocaine […] our insatiable thirst for more, more, more.” (Castro pg 6) Castro highlights the very point which has to change in order to fulfil goal 12 set by the UN. This is challenging when as a population we are constantly harassed by influencers and marketing which convince us that we need to follow the latest trends. Ultimately the power is in the consumers pocket, if we choose not to buy then companies, in time, will be forced to stop making thus reducing the devastating impacts on the planet.  

Bibliography:

Ro, Christine. (2020) Can fashion ever be sustainable? [Online[. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200310-sustainable-fashion-how-to-buy-clothes-good-for-the-climate (Accessed: 07.10.2023)

United Nations. (2016) Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns [Online[Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/ (Accessed: 07.10.2023)

Ruiz, Arabella. (2023) 17 Most Worrying Textile Waste Statistics & Facts [Online[. Available at: https://theroundup.org/textile-waste-statistics/#:~:text=Global%20Fashion%20Industry%20Waste,clothing%20material%20is%20actually%20plastic. (Accessed: 07.10.2023)

Castro, Orsola de. (2021) Loved clothes last: how the joy of rewearing and repairing your clothes can be a revolutionary act. Penguin Life. London.