planet
It can be undoubtably said that the fashion industry has a deeply negative impact on our planet. With 120 billion garments being produced every year and 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 being produced annually due to textiles production, it is clear that something needs to change. The concept of sustainability is not a new one, dating back to the 1600s, but with consumption being at an all-time high due to the emergence of ‘fast fashion’ it is more important than ever to re-evaluate the way we consume and dispose of products. (Henthorn et al,2016). The fashion industry currently uses a linear model of production consisting of take-make-waste. However, a continuation of this model could lead emission to grow by 63% by 2030. The pressure industries are under has led to the introduction of a circular economy based on the principles of keeping materials in use, eliminating waste and pollution and regenerating nature. (Gwilt, 2016). It is important for brands to adapt to the circular economy which involves thinking about the life cycle of a garment. Due to a use and disposal phase being added to this cycle it has encouraged designers to not only improve the sustainability and ethical issues during manufacture, but also look for ways to minimise the waste of resources throughout the whole cycle. (Gwilt, 2016). There is an increasing frequency of brands committing to sustainable strategies to contribute to the circular economy. Brands like Contextura, an ethical, slow fashion brand have adopted a zero waste and upcycling strategy. Reusing waste from garment production in textile colleges and using Oeko-Tex dye which produces zero water waste are just two ways in which they achieve sustainability. As well as brands like Stella McCartney and Patagonia amongst others ensuring they use sustainable materials.
The push for sustainability is being led by the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) implemented by the UN in 2015. Their goals for 2030 aim to “promote prosperity whilst protecting the planet”. Goal 12 – responsible production and consumption, is arguably one of the most important goals the fashion industry needs to align with to achieve positive environmental impact. Goal 12 outlines the need to change our consumption habits and transition to a circular economy. Whilst brand themselves need to shift to more sustainable strategies in terms of product lifespan and materials, consumers too need to evaluate the way they consume for a regenerative environment to succeed. This is an era of overabundance. Fast fashion brands tempt consumers with the easy availability and price point. Moreover, the quick changing trends are leading to an ever-changing wardrobe. But the UN has predicted if this continues, we will need 3 planets by 2050. If SDG 12 can encourage slower fashion it will lead to a positive impact for our environment and future generations will greatly benefit.
works cited
Anon., n.d. [Online]
Available at: https://texbrasil.com.br/en/companies/contextura-2/
Gwilt, A., 2016. A practical guide to sustainable fashion. new york: bloomsbury.
janet hethorn, c. u., 2016. sustainable fashion: whats next?: a conversation about issues, practices and possibilites. new york: bloomsbury.
nations, u., 2023. the sustainable development goals report , s.l.: s.n.