Planet
The Phrase ‘Planet’ is one of the four pillars discussed within the fashion industry. It’s an important and key pillar which focuses specifically on sustainability and the benefit of prioritizing the health of the planet. In 1987, the United Nations put together a committee which brought out the Brundtland report which defined sustainability as “Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” (Brundtland Report, 1987)
The circular economy is a solution that tackles global challenges such as climate change, waste and pollution. It’s not simply reducing the negative impacts instead it’s representing “a systematic shift that builds long-term resilience and generates business opportunities as well as providing environmental and societal benefits” (Rethinking Fashion Design, 2017) Currently we are using materials from the earth, then making products with them, and finally throwing them away as waste. (Ellen Macarthur Foundation, 2017) On the other hand, there are issues within the circular economy such as a lack of environmental awareness and economic barriers and access to financing.
Sustainability within the fashion industry is a term where clothes are created and consumed in a way which can be simply sustained as well as protecting the environment. Sustainable fashion focuses on the cultural, environmental and social aspects of fashion (Sustainable fashion Vogue, 2022) The Term “Sustainable fashion” is being frequently used by brands and businesses as people become aware of the major environmental impacts that clothes are creating. Companies are reliable for the future of sustainable fashion as they need to make changes within their production control, and choice of textiles, as well as be mindful of water consumption, pollution and C02 emissions.
In 2015 all United Nations Member states adopted the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, which provides peace for the people and the planet, both now and into the future. (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 2015) This includes the 17 sustainable development goals. Goal number 12; responsible consumption and production are most relevant within the fashion industry.
The Fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions every year, showing the large impact it is making on the environment (Sustainable fashion Vogue, 2022). This is just one example of many issues we face in the industry such as overproduction, greenwashing and excessive water usage. There are many ways to reduce these unsustainable habits such as cutting down on CO2 emissions, recognizing the overproduction scale and reducing waste and pollution within the industry.
Bibliography:
Commission, B., 2022. 1987: Brundtland Report. [online] Are.admin.ch. Available at: <https://www.are.admin.ch/are/en/home/media/publications/sustainable-development/brundtland-report.html> [Accessed 7 October 2022].
Gwilt, A., 2022. Rethinking Fashion Design. 2nd ed. London: basic fashion design, pp.30-49.
Macarthur, E., 2022. Circular economy introduction. [online] Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. Available at: <https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview> [Accessed 8 October 2022].
Nast, C., 2022. What Does ‘Sustainable Fashion’ Actually Mean?. [online] British Vogue. Available at: <https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/sustainable-fashion> [Accessed 8 October 2022].
United Nations, 2022. THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development. [online] Sdgs.un.org. Available at: <https://sdgs.un.org/goals> [Accessed 7 October 2022].