Planet
The fashion industry indefinitely has substantial impact on the key pillar planet. At first glance, most would be shocked to discover that the $2.5 trillian fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industry combined (UN). If such pattern continues, it’s forecasted fashion emissions to grow 63% by 2030, further reiterating the significance of the pillar Planet. As these figures seem daunting, this provides us with opportunity for creativity and innovation to strive for change for us and following generations.
Within the fashion industry there is an urgency for change. From consumers’ shopping patterns to brands’ production methods which requires collaboration from everyone and is significantly about adapting. Adaptation from the traditional linear system model; take, make, waste. Solely as it is impossible to sustain something that is not working and must rather responsibly regenerate new systems, such a more circular model. A regenerative system in which garments are circulated for maximum value retention, then returned to the biosphere safely when they are no longer of use, based on 3 key principles: keep clothes in use, use renewable safe materials and create solutions based on upcycling, which are better for the planet. Although some may doubt the success of such a system, businesses must implement, as it provides them with chance to be the forefront of positive change, challenging brands to think differently alongside more profitability opportunities. Designers such as Patrick Mcdowell are adapting and providing innovative and sustainable approaches to fashion, creating his collections by upcycling and recycling materials. Along with the German ecommerce platform Zalando, began the rollout of its Circular Design Criteria to its 5,800 brand partners. (Drapers 2022) As bigger fashion brands are adapting to this necessary change this domino effect and collaboration is what the industry needs in order for creativity and the planet.
Leading me to my discussion on sustainability. The japanese concept ‘Mottainai’ means not wasting, put into practice by the means of ‘kintsugi’ repairing items such as broken pottery and making former cracks visible by applying contrast finishes. (Mitterfellner 2023) This is what the fashion industry is adapting towards and is placing equal importance on financial growth, human well being and environmental sustainability. Sustainability targets are driving brands more than ever, seen by Burberry linking their terms to the Environment, social, governance targets (ESG), reducing emissions by 46% by 2030 and becoming zero net by 2040. (Drapers 2022). Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of concepts like greenwashing and overconsuming practises such as the harmful 200 million trees being logged every year for the purpose of cheap viscous (Canopy)
Measures such as the United Nations (UN) creating the 17 sustainable development goals (SDG’s) as a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity provide us with steps on how to restore the planet. SDG 12, responsible consumption and production is about limiting overconsuming and overproducing and the fashion industry plays a great role in achieving this. Take the impact of one singular t-shirt which takes 2720 litres of water to make. In perspective that is how much we normally drink over a 3 year period (triple pundit 2013) our systems need to change before the change to the planet is irreversible, we have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe. (The Guardian)