Planet
Planet is one of the four pillars explored within the fashion industry. This is due to the fact that the fashion industry is responsible for being a major contributor to world pollution and climate change crisis, with textile production alone emitting 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This sector of the industry is focused on how to specifically develop sustainable procedures to take action against these global issues caused on their own behalf, before the world begins to witness “irreversible consequences” (Condé Nast, 2022). Sustainability is a critical focus for the health and welfare of the planet right now; sustainability is defined as “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs” (United Nations, 1987).
Introducing a circular Economy into companies is a sustainable and successful way to substantially decrease the fashion industry’s rate of consumption. Circular economy regards keeping resources in use for as long as possible, which allows the planet to obtain the most from those resources whilst being in use. Ultimately, recovering and regenerating said materials at the end of each service life.
Sustainable development is considered the roof in-which encloses three pillars, these three pillars are social, environmental and economic sustainability. On September 25th, 2015, The United Nations set seventeen interconnected goals for the world’s future as a way to battle the sustainability crisis that is ongoing, these goals are set out to last until 2030. The goals are known as the SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals, and are set out to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
Additionally, various of the SDG goals have significant relevance and impact on the fashion industry. Specifically goal twelve, responsible consumption and production, this is a key aspect to a company’s entire supply chain. As a way of making a consequential impact in promoting human rights, fair labour practices and environmental progress. “Consumption of new clothing is estimated to be higher in the UK than any other European country” (Haves, 2021). Consumers in the UK are purchasing approximately 26.7kg of clothing per head, per year, this is a transparent act of an over consumption crisis within the UK which can be combated by companies sustainably executing and entwining a circular economy into their brand, which is shown in Figure one.
References:
Haves, E., 2021. Fashion retail: Time for a new look?. [online] UK Parliament. Available at: <https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/fashion-retail-time-for-a-new-look/> [Accessed 7 October 2022].
MacArthur, E., 2018. 9 brands rethinking textiles for the circular economy. [online] Current Daily. Available at: <https://thecurrentdaily.com/2018/10/31/9-brands-rethinking-textiles-for-the-circular-economy/> [Accessed 7 October 2022].
Nast, C., 2022. The Sustainable Fashion Glossary. [online] Condé Nast. Available at: <https://www.condenast.com/glossary/climate-emergency> [Accessed 8 October 2022].
Nations, U., 1987. Sustainability. [online] United Nations. Available at: <https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability> [Accessed 8 October 2022].
Nations, U., 2015. Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. [online] United Nations. Available at: <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/> [Accessed 8 October 2022].