Planet
Planet, People, Profit and Purpose reflect the four pillars of Sustainability.And the fashion industry has a big impact on the planet, which includes water, trees, air and so on.
A circular economy is a system in which resources are organically recycled and never wasted. Products and resources are kept in use in a circular economy by procedures like upkeep, reuse, renovation, remanufacturing, recycling, and composting.The circular economy addresses climate change and other global challenges, such as biodiversity loss, waste and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.（Ellen MacArthur Foundation,2023）The circular economy approach encourages businesses, Governments and individuals to adopt practices that support sustainable development, reduce environmental impacts and promote economic growth. This approach improves the durability, reparability and responsible consumption of products.
Sustainability in the fashion industry means promoting the well-being of people, communities, and the environment. In order to safeguard the environment and the garment makers, sustainability refers to the production and consumption of clothing in a “sustainable” manner. True sustainability should also guarantee that the creative process benefits society and the environment, from the materials used through the production process to the working conditions and compensation of employees.(Bringé,2023)For things to be sustainable in the fashion industry, one must take into account the sector’s long-term effects on the environment, society, and local communities. One must also strive for methods that reduce harm while fostering good change.
The fashion industry has had an impact on Sustainable Development Goals objective 14 – Life below water.The fashion industry actually contributes a significant quantity of carbon to the atmosphere and is one of the main sources of microplastics in the oceans.According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), about 60 per cent of clothing materials are actually plastics in order to create lightweight, durable and affordable fabrics. Acrylic, nylon and polyester textiles, for example, produce tiny microplastic wastes every time they are washed, contaminating water sources for animals and fish downstream.(St. Catherine University,2022)
Bibliography
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2023) Circular economy introduction, Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview (Accessed: 08 October 2023).
Bringé, A. (2023) Council post: The State of Sustainability in the fashion industry (and what it means for brands), Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2023/01/02/the-state-of-sustainability-in-the-fashion-industry-and-what-it-means-for-brands/?sh=52b106d21c82 (Accessed: 08 October 2023).
St. Catherine University (2022) What is sustainability in the fashion industry?, St. Catherine University. Available at: https://www.stkate.edu/newswire/news/sustainability-in-fashion-industry (Accessed: 08 October 2023).