Planet

Maya Fernandes ⋅ 9th October 2022

In 2022, it’s no secret that the fashion industry is one of the world’s largest contributors to climate change and pollution, being responsible for 2.1 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2018 which is about 4% of the global total. (Berg et al, 2020) To put this into perspective that is about the same amount of GHG emissions produced by the UK, France and Germany combined. (Hedges, 2021) To make matters worse, it is also predicted that global apparel consumption is set to rise by 63% in 2030 (Eder-Hansen et al, 2017) so it is truly critical that the fashion industry to clean up its act and become more sustainable.

Effects on the environment is explored as just one of the four main pillars of sustainability; Planet, People, Profit and Purpose and refers to ‘improving sustainability by preserving the environment and more rational use of resources’. (Rinalducci, 2022) In fashion, this philosophy can be applied at various points of garment life cycles, from the textiles and fabrics used to the way they are laundered but, a particularly crucial part is what is known as the ’end of life’ of a garment. At this stage the garment is usually discarded, ending up in landfill, this is because the way the economy works is mostly linear: resources are used up, products are made, bought and thrown away. However, ever since the modern environmental movements of the 1960s and 1970s (Ekins, 2019) a new, ‘circular economy’ has been slowly gaining traction as a more sustainable way of life.

The goal of the circular economy is “close the loop” and build long-term resilience for our planet and its resources. Moreover, it is more than just recycling and consists of three main principles: eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use (at their highest value) and regenerate natural systems. It is important to note though, that circular economy is not the only answer to sustainability issues within fashion and should be complementary to other efforts. (Gwilt, 2020)

‘Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns’ is number 12 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals set up in 2015. In terms of the fashion industry this is relevant to almost every step of the supply chain and everyone involved. Synthetic fibres like polyester originate from crude oils, a major contributor of GHG, and even natural fibres like cotton is harvested in ways that are harmful to people and the planet. However, it is not just things that lie in the hands of designers because consumers can choose sustainable consumption through their purchases.

Reference list:

Berg, A et al, (2020) Fashion on climate. Mckinsey & Company.

Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/fashion-on-climate

(Accessed: 9 October 2022)

Eder-Hanson, J et al (2017) Pulse of the Fashion Industry. Global Fashion Agenda & The Boston Consulting Group. Page 8.

Available at: https://developmenteducation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pulse-of-the-Fashion-Industry_2017.pdf

(Accessed: 9 October 2022)

Ekins, P (2019) The Circular Economy: What, Why, How and Where. UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London. Page 4.

Available at: https://www.oecd.org/cfe/regionaldevelopment/Ekins-2019-Circular-Economy-What-Why-How-Where.pdf

(Accessed: 9 October 2022)

EllenMacarthurFoundation.org (ND) Circular economy introduction. Ellen Macarthur Foundation.

Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview