Planet
Sustainability is a goal that consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, whilst ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being. In Fashion Business, the goal for sustainability is categorised into four pillars: planet, people, profit, and purpose. To combat this, the circular economy (seen in figure 1) has been introduced. It is a “framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.” (Ellen Macarthur, 2022)
Figure 1. (Explainer ‘What is a Circular Economy‘, 2014)
The ‘Circular Economy’ is a system that is being heavily encouraged within the fashion industry, which was responsible for a staggering 1.715 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2015. It is estimated to grow a further 63% by 2030. Yves Saint Laurent once famously said “fashion fades, style is eternal”, which as of recently has been proven to no longer be true.
To continue the combat of climate change, in 2015, The United Nations developed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals (seen in figure 2) adopted by all United Nations Member States and are designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all” (United Nations, 2015).
Figure 2. (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 2015)
The Fashion industry plays an extensive role in the destruction of the planet, every year 120 billion garments are produced, only 1% of which are expected to be recycled and reused. Most consumer fashion is stuck in a linear model with most used clothes perceived as having no value and being disposed of at a rapid pace. However, if the consumer attitude begins to change toward purchasing products, it could encourage a huge shift in the fashion industry which could potentially put the circular economy at the heart of the fashion industry’s approach.
Many brands have already begun to adapt to this new economy and produce pieces that will not have a negative impact on the planet. For example, the brand Patagonia has found a way to harvest cotton organically, founder Youvin Chouinard stated that “Organic methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improve the quality of soil, and often use less water. Compared to growing conventional cotton, there is a 45% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a 90% reduction in water as a result of growing organic cotton.” (Yvon Chouinard, 1966). Since then, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment, as well as donating $89 million to domestic and international grassroots environmental groups which have helped to make a difference within their local communities. With Patagonia leading the way into a more sustainable future, we can slow down the progression of environmental issues.
Reference list:
Concern Worldwide (9 June 2021) ‘Explained: The Sustainable Development Goals’ Available at: https://www.concern.org.uk/news/explained-sustainable-development-goals?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9pWsnPPQ-gIVz-3tCh3JEwTuEAAYASAAEgIMX_D_BwE (Accessed: 7 October 2022)
Ellen Macarthur Foundation (2009) ‘What is a Circular Economy?’ Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview (Accessed: 8 October 2022)
Eshha Chaabra (2015) Forbes ‘Patagonia Rallies for an Earth Tax’. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/eshachhabra/2015/09/09/patagonia-rallies-for-an-earth-tax/?sh=1138bca67340 (Accessed: 7 October 2022)
Hethorn, J., & Ulasewicz, C. (2015) ‘Sustainable Fashion: What’s next?’ Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/fcsr.12266 (Accessed: 7 October 2022)
United Nations (2015) ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ Available at: https://www.un.org/en/ (Accessed: 6 October 2022)