Planet

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The fashion industry is a major contributor to world pollution and climate change. ‘Planet’ is one of the key pillars of the fashion industry and the world is dealing with irreversible issues due to our poor choices. Our planet is suffering as a result of the lack of awareness, care and accountability. Destroying our planet stems from the very beginning of a garment’s life to the very end whereby consumers dispose their garments and circularity is not endorsed.

Circular economy (CE) ensures that nothing goes to waste by maintaining, upcycling, refurbishing, and reusing. According to the report Well Dressed? The Present and Future Sustainability of Clothing and Textiles in the United Kingdom (University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing, 2006), approximately 2.35 million tonnes of textile waste are generated in the UK over a year. Of this, 74 per cent is sent to landfill, while 26 per cent is shared equally between material recovery and incineration (Gwilt, 2014). This simply highlights the harm the planet endures due to society’s actions and emphasises that there is no end resolution without considering CE. The implementation of CE would consequently decrease carbon emissions, deforestation, water wastage and improve the lives of workers. Further, CE fulfils many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and there is a vision for circularity in fashion. While some brands greenwash and retailers have frequently adopted a tokenistic approach to sustainability, according to Alison, other brands are increasingly rethinking their methods as CE is necessary for a more sustainable future.

Sustainability in relation to fashion is complicated as all areas of a garment’s life must be considered. Every process from sourcing materials where workers are in safe environments or ensuring that fibres are biodegradable unlike oil-based textiles, to the end of a garment’s purpose. Alison suggests that most of the environmental impacts associated with clothing are created during the use phase, largely due to the laundering process, which uses energy, water, and chemical detergents. One could argue that everyone has a responsibility to be as ethical as possible and that sustainability is immensely difficult to maintain due to the complexities of the industry.

The United Nations (UN) strive to improve conditions for minorities as well as address the countless, rising problems with our planet. One of the UNs 17 goals is to reduce inequality within and among countries. This is a challenge against the way brands employ and how they treat their workers. This links specifically to the fashion industry as workers risk their health and endure dangerous conditions. Moreover, women and children are taken advantage of as they are often paid less, and experience discrimination compared to men. One could argue, the developments with technology and social media marketing has caused an increase in consumer demands and therefore fast fashion brands have capitalised on this and exploit children to increase profits which is unfair and reinforces how the fashion industry takes little notice or action to change this.

Bibliography:

Gwilt, A. (2014) A practical guide to sustainable fashion. London: Fairchild Books. Basics fashion design.

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