Planet
Fashion and sustainability go hand in hand while referring to the wellbeing of the planet. Planet is one of the four pillars contributing to sustainability including: People, Profit and Purpose.
To begin, the idea of sustainable fashion focuses on “a clothing supply chain that is ecologically and socially responsible” (EarthDay, 2022). In other words, being conscious of the consumption amount and being able to limit it in order to provide the future generations with the needed resources. In addition, the pillar “Planet” thoroughly focuses on the state of the environment and how the natural resources of the planet are being overused by the fashion industry. “The fashion industry represents a key environmental threat,” (Kirsi Niinimäki, 2022). The shocking aspect of the fashion industry is the toll that it takes on the environment. According to The UN, a kilogram of cotton is needed for the production of a single pair of jeans. Since cotton usually grows in dry environments, producing this kilo requires about 7,500–10,000 litres of water. That’s about 10 years’ worth of drinking water for one person. However, it is relieving to see certains brands, such as Levi’s, trying to reduce the environmental impact by offering consumers the possibility to upcycle denim products.
In order to preserve the planet’s resources and to transform the planet, the United Nations in 2015 created a list of 17 sustainable development goals to help navigate people into becoming conscientious for the benefit of everyone.
The 13th goal created by the UN refers to “climate action”. It is linked to taking action against climate change and “promoting greater prosperity across the globe” (Global Goals, 2015). Fashion makes a huge contribution to climate change. In 2018, the sector was responsible for some 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions which is about 4 percent of the global total (McKinsey, 2020). Distinguishing the strong impact the industry has on climate change becomes relevant when understanding that the consumers are reliable for this type of overproduction. Of course, with the huge wave of fast fashion it is difficult to take the time and reconsider buying a product and think about the wellbeing of the planet. Whatsoever, if consumers don’t opt to follow the guidelines recommended by the Global Goals, it will be hard to achieve the 17 SDGs by 2030.
References:
Can fashion ever be sustainable? BBC By Christine Ro, 11th March 2020
What Is Sustainable Fashion? EarthDay, 2021
Climate Action, Global Goals, 2015
https://www.globalgoals.org/goals/13-climate-action/
Fashion On Climate, McKinsey by Achim Berg, Anna Granskog, Libbi Lee, and Karl-Hendrik Magnus, August 26th 2020
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/fashion-on-climate
Fast fashion is ruining the planet – here’s how to make it sustainable, New Scientist by Graham Lawton, 1 June 2022