Planet in relation to fashion has become of increasing relevance, especially in recent years, with a rise in businesses taking Corporate social responsibility more seriously and a larger part of the way that they operate especially in the production, distribution, and end life of their garments. This is primarily due to the significant impacts that the life cycle of garments has on the planet, for example through over consumption, which leads to more than a million tonnes of textiles waste to be generated each year (Gwilt, 2020) causing an increase going into landfills. One reason for the rise in over consumption is due to social media, which has led to people moving on from trends faster and follow whats new, causing consumers to dispose of clothing at an increased rate. As technology is developing and more consumers are influenced by social media this issue could worsen, which poses a great threat to the planet. 

Increased textiles in landfills affects the planet through its enhanced greenhouse gas emissions ultimately contributing to climate change, a major issue that the planet is currently facing. A focus on mitigating and adapting to climate change is the 13^th sustainable development goal created by the UN. SDGs reflect the ongoing work of the United Nations, endorsed in 2015 and adopted by 193 member states (Gwilt, 2020). One of the main aims of SDGs is to tackle social and environmental issues, which the fashion industry evidently contributes towards. Through textiles waste, as previously mentioned, and other processes in the life cycle of garments, the fashion industry has become a prominent contributor towards enhanced greenhouse gas emissions that is resulting in climate change. The industry is responsible for almost 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions (Fleischmann, 2019) which is primarily due to overconsumption and disposal.  

Through circular fashion the detrimental impacts on the planet could be lessened, ‘circular fashion combines the principles of both sustainability and circularity’ according to Dr Anna Brismar who came up with this term in 2014 (Alexander, 2019)  It focuses on making sure that we elongate the life of garments through ways other than disposal, such as employing chemical and mechanical recycling to develop recycled fibres and materials (Gwilt, 2020) that enable us to use textiles for longer periods of time. Embracing a circular economy allows for individuals and businesses to become more sustainable and make fashion less negatively impact on the planet. 

Alexander, E. (2019). Introducing circular fashion: the shopping concept that could save the planet. [online] Harper’s BAZAAR. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a27189370/circular-fashion-definition/.

Fleischmann, M. (2019). How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment? [online] The World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente.

Gwilt, A. (2020). Practical Guide To Sustainable Fashion. S.L.: Ava Academia, p.6-27

For the longest time the fashion industry has been associated with creativity, innovation and glamour but behind all of this it has a damaging impact on the environment that not many people know about. The fashion industry produces 20% of global water waste, 10% of the world’s carbon emissions and in 2015 the industry was responsible for 1.75 million tonnes of CO2 emissions (Pulse of Fashion). Many of the materials used to create the garments we wear are incredibly unsustainable, for example: Cotton is very water and energy intensive which increases global carbon emissions. Oil-based synthetic materials such as Polyester use scarce resources like oil and produce plastic microfibers that do not decompose.

The Circular Economy:

Traditionally the industry has been quite linear in the way we consume fashion. The linear model describes the way garments are made, sold then disposed of, eventually ending up in landfills. However, the circular economy aims to put a stop to this cycle by consuming in a more responsible way by making sure materials are in use for as long as they can. The circular economy involves repairing, reusing and recycling garments and materials to give them a longer life. For example, Patrick McDowell is a sustainable fashion designer that uses scrap fabrics from the Burberry studio to create new garments. He also offers an after care service where he makes alterations to his pieces, repairs or reworks them into new items such as pillow cases, so that his clients can have more use for them.

Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production:

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 Goals set by the United Nations in 2012 in efforts to reduce the environmental, political and economic problems facing our world (United Nations Development Programme). One SDG that closely relates to the fashion industry is Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

Within the fashion industry, responsible consumption and production means embracing more sustainable practices such as using recycled materials. Designers and brands are now becoming increasingly sustainable by using responsible practices. For example, Stella McCartney uses biodegradable fibres and materials made from resources such as Grapes and Bananas. Consumers also play a role in this SDG with their economic power. If consumers use their money to support brands dedicated to more sustainable practices it will encourage more brands to think responsibly and sustainably to attract more customers.

The “three Ps”- Profit, People, and Planet- derive from the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ concept in business and sustainability, in which the Planet pillar is a remarkably gigantic element of the fashion market.

It is a well-known fact that the fashion industry has brought a very high pollution level to the planet in the last few years. “Apart from the pollution incurred during the production process, clothing disposal and landfill problem also impose a great problem to the environment, and the situation has become increasingly adverse with the tremendous number of clothing being disposed of yearly.” (Pui-Sze Chow, 2017; Cinty K.Y.Li, 2017) While the fast fashion trend is undoubtedly to blame, consumers also take this trend for granted.

Consequently, they would think that it is inevitable for fashion brands to damage the environment. Moreover, the fashion industry has not yet been able to fully enable all brands to offer clothes that look good and are 100% eco-friendly. As a result, they will choose to buy clothes that look better rather than those that are more sustainable, and so ‘there would be a tension between crafting briefs that achieve business objectives’ (Helen Brain, 2023), which is maximising profits by adopting to consumers’ needs and wants ‘and the desire to contribute to positive change’ (Helen Brain, 2023).

However, with the worsening of pollution on the planet, the UN has recently declared that the earth is entering from Global Warming to Global Boiling (Shahid Kamal, 2023) with the expectation pinned on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to solve the multiple problems like poverty, hunger and climate change of the planet by 2030.

Nevertheless, the fashion market has also struggled with sustainability in recent years. One such change from the usual linear economy is adopting circular economy principles. Unlike the typical “Take-Make-Dispose” model from the linear economy, the circular economy seeks to “Repair, Reuse, and Transform” resources for as long as possible.

The UN SDGs, as a solution to the world’s problems (Shahid Kamal, 2023), like climate change, have led more brands to adopt SDGs in their production processes. Take responsible consumption and production, which is one of the SDGs, as an example:

“Japan-based fibre and textiles firm Asahi Kasei said German apparel brand Drykorn selected Cupro, its “natural smart material,” as a “circular economy” fibre for its fall collection.” (Tracey Meyers, 2017)

Based on second-hand data, Uniqlo has been running a recycling programme to collect used clothes from customers. The collected clothing is resold or donated as second-hand clothing or recycled into fibre or fuel, depending on the circumstances. (Pui-Sze Chow, 2017; Cinty K.Y.Li, 2017)

Additionally, not only sellers but more consumers are becoming attentive to environmental pollution, and more people are starting to pay attention to the loyalty of fashion brands to sustainability. Especially, Gen Z they are generally more concerned about the sustainability of the fashion industry than older generations. Furthermore, it is also because Gen Z is now one of the main target generations for fashion brands; growing interest in sustainable fashion has led many brands to adopt more environmentally friendly methods and materials to be more circular.

References:

Pui-Sze Chow& Cinty K.Y.Li ‘Contemporary Case Studies on Fashion Production, Marketing and Operations’ (05 December 2017)https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-10-7007-5_13 

Shahid Kamal https://ojs.njhsciences.com/index.php/njhs/article/view/447 

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

Tracey Meyers https://wwd-com.arts.idm.oclc.org/feature/drykorn-selects-circular-economy-material-11027199/ 

Uniqlo https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-10-7007-5_13 

There is no doubt that the fashion industry has detrimental impacts on our planet from the toxic chemicals that are used to dye our clothes to the cheap, synthetic materials that are overproduced and pollute the world we live in. As well as being in an alarming climate crisis, we are unwittingly using more resources than we have available and estimates conclude that if this habit continues, we will need three planets by 2050 (UNDP Climate Promise, 2022). According to (Cariki, 2018), the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry after the oil sector, being responsible for an enormous amount of greenhouse gases essentially destroying our planet. Water pollution has also become a global issue because of the industry and clothing manufacturers. (YTL Group, 2019) stated in an article that ’20% of all global industrial water pollution is caused by garment production – the dying and cultivating processes alone use over 800 chemicals.’ This proves that the industry must work hard towards a more sustainable method of production as clothing consumption is predicted to increase by 60% by 2030. 

In the 1970s, Dr Walter Stahel proposed the closed-loop economy which is a way of integrating recycling and reuse into the management of supply chains (Montag L., 2023). We now call this ‘circular economy’, and calculations from (UNDP Climate Promise, 2022) have shown it has the possibility of being extremely effective and could even help reduce global GHG emissions by 40% by 2050. When describing the impact of circular economy it is vital to lay out that there are 3 main principles. As stated by (MacArthur, 2010), the first principle is to eliminate waste and pollution. Ellen MacArthur also believes that waste is a result of poor design choices and that different materials can be used to eliminate waste and make recycling easier. The circular economy model is also a movement from the usual, linear mindset and so by using this, the goal where products can be reused, shared, repaired, refurbished, remanufactured, and recycled is more achievable (MacArthur, 2010). In relation to fashion, the company DyeCoo has created a technology that eliminates the use of water when dying textiles (textilemagazine, 2014) fundamentally saving millions of litres of water and significantly reducing the amount of toxic wastewater that is released into our nature. In 2012, DyeCoo joined a strategic partnership with Nike which reinforced Nike’s enthusiasm toward building a more sustainable brand. 

United Nations created an agenda of 17 Sustainable Development Goals to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. In regards to the relationship between our planet and fashion, I would say the most relevant is goal 12; to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Over the years, fashion brands have explicitly been making an effort to be more sustainable such as Stella McCartney who avoids using leather or fur, protecting endangered forests, and Veja who uses ecological materials to make their stylish, sustainable footwear. However, to move effectively towards a more sustainable planet, businesses must play their part and ensure that they avoid polluting the earth with certain materials and waste. Fashion brands can utilise the Triple Bottom Line framework to calculate their success not only economically but through social equity and environmental factors too.

Bibliography

Cariki (2018) 13 reasons why the fashion industry is destroying our planet, Cariki. Available at: https://cariki.co.uk/blogs/the-green-road/13-reasons-why-the-fashion-industry-is-destroying-our-planet (Accessed: 07 October 2023). 

MacArthur, E. (2010) Circular economy introduction, Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview#principles (Accessed: 08 October 2023). 

Montag L. (2023). Circular Economy and Supply Chains: Definitions, Conceptualizations, and Research Agenda of the Circular Supply Chain Framework. Circular economy and sustainability, 3(1), 35–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-022-00172-y

textilemagazine (2014) DYECOO technology for Sustainable Textiles with waterless dyeing, The Textile Magazine. Available at: https://www.indiantextilemagazine.in/dyecoo-technology-sustainable-textiles-waterless-dyeing/ (Accessed: 08 October 2023). 

The Sustainable Fashion Glossary (2020) Condé Naste. Available at: https://www.condenast.com/news/conde-nast-launches-sustainable-fashion-glossary (Accessed: 06 October 2023). 

What is circular economy and why does it matter? (2022) What is Circular Economy and Why does it Matter? Available at: https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/what-is-circular-economy-and-how-it-helps-fight-climate-change#:~:text=Studies%20show%20us%20that%2C%20through,by%2040%20percent%20by%202050. (Accessed: 08 October 2023). 

YTL Group (2019) Fast fashion and its impacts, GENeco. Available at: https://www.geneco.uk.com/news/fast-fashion-and-its-impacts#:~:text=Globally%2C%20the%20fashion%20industry%20is,modern%20car%20for%206%2C000%20miles. (Accessed: 07 October 2023). 

Planet is arguably one of the most important and significant of the 4 pillars of sustainability due to the vastly negative impact the fashion industry is having on the world today, with it being one of the major contributors towards the climate crisis. In 2015 the global fashion industry were responsible for emitting 1715 tonnes of C02 which is forecasted to grow by 63% in 2030 (pulse of fashion). The detrimental damages to our planet are at the cause of the harmful production practices taking place within the linear economy where natural resources are extracted to produce products that are consumed, then thrown away and wasted. Over 100 billion garments are produced a year with 85% of textiles sent to landfills that release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Significant changes must be met by not only the brands but consumers also, as societies over consumption habits have seen an enormous growth due to mass produced fashion, in particular ‘’fast fashion’’ that focuses on bringing runway trends to the high street in the quickest possible time (Alison Gwilt, 2020).

The fashion industry must urgently make a change to their conventionally, unsustainable supply chain that reflects a linear process, which focuses on profitability rather than the products life cycle. The fashion industry must reshape their structure by adopting the principles of the circular economy, which emphasises the use of recycling and re-using products. These processes aim to tackle global issues such as global warming, pollution and waste. By changing the way we produce and consume it combats these global issues and helps toward moving into a sustainable future. Sustainability is defined as ‘’meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’’ (Brundtland, 1987). In 2015 the United Nations adopted a set of 17 sustainable development goals as an urgent call to fight global issues such as poverty and global warming.

As sustainability is a widely important ideal to the fashion industry it is important that they recognise these SDG’s and apply them to their processes. One SDG that must be recognised by the fashion industry, as it correlates to one of the most prominent issues within fashion, ‘fast fashion’ which is currently the cause of increased pollution and poor working conditions. The 12^th SDG ‘responsible consumption and production’ must be taken into consideration by the fashion industry as it aims to ensure sustainable consumption habits and production processes. To adhere to the 12^th SDG, the fashion industry will have to adapt their systems to a circular structure within their supply chains to ensure sustainable practices such as, using fabrics not contaminated with harmful chemicals and micro plastic fibres that could pollute our water systems.

Many fashion brands are consciously striving to move toward circular processes for example, Patrick McDowell where sustainability is at the very core of the brands practice. McDowell adhered to the circular system through his use of reclaimed fabrics and ethically produced materials within his garments that strive to reinvent luxury fashion through a sustainable lens. 

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.

It has been suggested that the fashion industry is built on 4 major pillars, which are: Planet, People, Purpose, and Profit. Due to a growing number of impacts, these topics have a great deal of relevance. Fashion companies and brands started paying great attention to sustainability before they produce new products and services. In order to satisfy the demand of UNSDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Group) (Remake.world, 2017). I will be referencing the UNSDGs and circular economy in this blog, and discuss how “Planet” links with the fashion industry. 

In a circular economy, nature is replenished and materials are never wasted. Products and resources are kept in use in a circular economy by procedures like upkeep, reuse, renovation, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. By separating economic activity from the use of finite resources, the circular economy addresses climate change and other global issues like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution (Ellen Macarthur Foundation, 2023). Aiming a circular economy can increase brand’s sustainability. Furthermore, a circular economy can be created by implementing sustainable practices, so if we have serious improvement and attention on both issues, we can achieve a win-win situation. 

The fashion industry is polluting every part of the world. Advancing technology, faster manufacturing and unique advertisement will definitely create better outcomes and results for firms and consumers. However, all of these actions are causing a much more negative impact to the world. As a consequence, the UNSGD has introduced 17 development goals to increase fashion brand’s sustainability and satisfy a better world. In the context of fashion, sustainability refers to the adoption of ecologically and socially responsible practices throughout the full lifecycle of clothing and accessories, from design and manufacture through consumption and disposal. While promoting moral and environmentally sound alternatives, it seeks to reduce the harmful effects of the fashion industry on the environment and society.

For example SGD8 (Decent work and economic growth) is showing the phenomenon of the garment industry and garment workers. The garment industry is growing rapidly as the demand for fast fashion and cheap clothing is in large demand (weigo.org, 2021). Therefore, suppliers want to keep the production cost low and the production levels high. Firms and brands such as Shein and Urban Outfitters from developed countries such as China and the United States will outsource their production to the garment industry in developing or non-developed countries including Bangladesh and Vietnam (sustainablychic.com, 2022). This means that firms would be paying those garment workers a minimum wage whilst working in a poor environment.

Reference list: 

Earth Day. (2023). Fashion for the Earth – EARTHDAY.ORG. [online] Available at: https://www.earthday.org/campaign/sustainable-fashion/. 

Ellen Macarthur Foundation (2023). What is a circular economy? [online] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview. 

Stanton, A. (2020). How the United Nations’ SDGs Relate to the Fashion Industry. [online] Remake. Available at: https://remake.world/stories/news/how-the-united-nations-sdgs-relate-to-the-fashion-industry/. V&A (2011). V&A · Pollution: the dark side of fashion. [online] Victoria and Albert Museum. Available at: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/pollution-the-dark-side-of-fashion.

PLANET

“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” – Anna Lappé

Fashion isn’t free, someone somewhere is paying. The environmental ”cost” of the fashion industry is substantial and affects the planet’s health and well-being of future generations. Planet as a pillar in the fashion industry focuses on the environmental sustainability and its negative impact on the planet. Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. Nearly 10% of microplastics dispersed in the ocean each year come from textiles. $500 billion is lost each year because of under-wearing and failure to recycle clothes. Fast fashion generates double the amount of CO2 than aviation and shipping combined. Hence this pillar is essential as it circumscribes various initiatives and practices aimed at minimising the industry’s ecological footprint.

In fashion, circular economy represents a shift away from the traditional, resource-intensive, and wasteful linear fashion model towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach that values reduce, repair, reuse, recycle, repurpose, restore and regenerate. Organisations are now calling for a circular economy to urgently reduce the fashion world’s environmental impact. Fashion giant H&M has made a significant commitment to its SDG initiatives, such as reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Swedish home-retail conglomerate IKEA has made strides towards promoting recycling as it allows customers to return their furniture . On that account, during these worrisome times, circularity shouldn’t just be a trend; but an axile shift towards a more sustainable and responsible industry.

“Fashion should be a form of escapism and not a form of imprisonment.”(Alexander McQueen). Sustainable fashion is a term that’s increasingly used these days, as we all become ever more aware of the serious environmental impact of our clothes. But what does sustainable fashion actually mean? In short, it’s an umbrella term for clothes that are created and consumed in a way that can be, quite literally, sustained, while protecting both the environment and those producing garments. It may be a cliche, but the mantra “buy less and buy better” is key when you consider that a staggering 100 billion garments are being produced globally every year. “We should be committed to using vegan and cruelty-free materials, avoiding the use of fur and leather. The organisations should also prioritise sustainable sourcing, using organic cotton, regenerated fibers, and innovative eco-friendly materials throughout.”(Stella McCartney) Thus sustainability is the only response to the industry’s historically high environmental and social costs.

When we refer to UN SDGs in fashion, they are typically discussing how the fashion industry can align with and contribute to the set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations. It addresses various social, economical and environmental challenges and promote sustainibility and equality by 2030. Fashion brands that embrace the UN SDGs in their operations aim to make a positive impact by addressing issues like poverty, gender equality, clean water, decent work, responsible consumption and enviromental protection . SDG6, which stands for ”clean water and sanitation” is apposite to fashion industry primarily due to its significant water consumption and potential impact on water quality. Many textile manufacturing processes generate polluted wastewater that is very harmful to the present and the future of this planet. In summary, the industry can contribute to the this SDG by reducing its water consumption, improving water management and minimizing water pollution throughout the supply chain.

In conclusion I would like to quote Emma Watson, ”Fashion has the power to change lives. Let’s use that power for good, embracing sustainability and empowering a brighter future.”

Bibliography:-

• https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/sustainable-fashion
• https://ual-moodle-sitedata.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/4a/fb/4afb7c6b2980c629c0cf744372e789dc1783f8ee?response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3D%22WK2%20S23%20DW%20Planet%20Seminar.pdf%22&response-content-type=application%2Fpdf&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA2PCH3OG65JHUZNKL%2F20231008%2Feu-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20231008T130825Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=21575&X-Amz-Signature=f3649f9010f5ce8f21bf55ef66ad7835f481232f517dc922d1fef523fe23a3ad
• https://stateofmatterapparel.com/blogs/som-blog/10-sustainable-designers-leading-the-charge-in-conscious-fashion
• https://www.commonobjective.co/article/7-examples-of-brand-sustainability-visions#0
• https://www.dailysabah.com/life/fashion/abiding-by-sustainable-fashions-5-pillars-is-not-an-easy-feat
• https://www.stylist.co.uk/fashion/copenhagen-fashion-week-sustainability/812967

1,715 million. That’s how many tonnes of CO2 emissions the fashion industry was responsible for in 2015 (Corporate Rebels) and if we remain on this track, fashion emissions are forecast to grow by 63% by 2030 (Clean Clothes Campaign). This isn’t up-keeping with the date that the UN set when they developed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a plan to tackle the climate emergency. 

The fashion industry hinders the progress of achieving SDG 14, Life Below Water, as textile and garment production is majorly water-intensive – 79 million cubic meters of water being used every year by the industry (PULSE OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY). In order to make only one pair of denim jeans, around 10,000 litres of water is needed to grow only 1kg of cotton needed for the jeans – to put that number into perspective, it would take 10 years for a person to drink 10,000 litres of water (United Nations 2018).

Not only does the production of the clothes pollute the oceans but equally the maintenance of said garments does too. Polyester is one of the most widely used materials for clothing in the garment industry, which is problematic as microfibres are released into the ocean every time garments with these oil-based materials are washed. The Italian National Research Council found that in a typical 5kg wash-load of polyester garments, 6 to 17.7 million microfibres are released (#WhatsInMyWash?) – going against SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation.

Overproduction in the fashion industry plays a role for making it one of the most wasteful on the planet, being responsible for up to 8% of global greenhouse emissions as well as having other negative environmental impacts like biodiversity loss and water pollution (Nast, C. 2023). This major overproduction is a consequence of fast fashion, a revolving door of micro trends resulting in around 52 micro-collections per year instead of the usual 2 seasons (Charpail, M. 2017). We need to slow fashion down! The takeaway is that the fashion industry isn’t sustainable, we shouldn’t sustain something that is badly designed and that isn’t working – fashion companies, as well as their consumers, need to demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This can be either through slowing down fashion or by playing into a circular economy.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that more than $500 billion of value is lost every year due to clothing underutilisation and the lack of recycling (Gueye, S, 2021), with an estimated £140 million worth of clothing is sent to landfill each year in the UK alone (WRAP, 2022). The circular economy can help tackle climate change and other aspects like biodiversity loss and pollution. According to studies we would be able to reduce the carbon, water and waste footprints of our clothes by 20-30% if we collectively extended a garments life by 9 months (Corner, 2014) – imagine the impact if we all provided our clothes with longer lives, keeping them in circularity? Therefore, our goal should be to change the linear lifecycle of garments into a circular one, in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible. 

Referencing list

Charpail, M. (2017). Fast Fashion. [online] SustainYourStyle. Available at: https://www.sustainyourstyle.org/en/fast-fashion.

Clean Clothes Campaign. (n.d.). Climate Change. [online] Available at: https://cleanclothes.org/climate-change#:~:text=By%202030%20global%20apparel%20consumption.

Corporate Rebels. (n.d.). Sustainability: Reporting Vs. Practice. [online] Available at: https://www.corporate-rebels.com/blog/sustainability-in-the-fashion-industry#:~:text=Global%20Fashion%20Agenda%20estimates%20that[Accessed 8 Oct. 2023].

Gueye, S. (2021). The trends and trailblazers creating a circular economy for fashion. [online] Ellen Macarthur Foundation. Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/articles/the-trends-and-trailblazers-creating-a-circular-economy-for-fashion.

Nast, C. (2023). Why Are Billions Of Clothes Never Even Sold? [online] British Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/overproduction-fashion#:~:text=Of%20course%2C%20this%20comes%20at[Accessed 8 Oct. 2023].

PULSE OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.greylockglass.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Pulse-of-the-Fashion-Industry_2017.pdf.

United Nations (2018). UN Helps Fashion Industry Shift to Low Carbon | UNFCCC. [online] Unfccc.int. Available at: https://unfccc.int/news/un-helps-fashion-industry-shift-to-low-carbon.

Corner, F. (2014). Why fashion matters. London: Thames & Hudson.

WRAP (2022). Textiles | WRAP. [online] wrap.org.uk. Available at https://wrap.org.uk/taking-action/textiles

#WhatsInMyWash? (n.d.). The Issue. [online] Available at: https://www.whatsinmywash.org.uk/the-microfiber-issue.