Planet
By now many people have realised that the fate of the environment has escalated into a significant problem. However, there is a lack of understanding concerning the importance of timing and the threats involved. This blog highlights the vital role of the entire fashion supply chain in achieving sustainability objectives before it’s too late.
For many years now, both consumers and manufactures have been accustomed to a linear way of consumption; take, make, consume and then throw away. Its due to this that the world is faced with facts such as “Every second, the equivalent of a rubbish truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in landfill” (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2021) The circular economy is a concept aimed to combat this vital flaw in the current fashion supply chain and this involved closing the loop on an unjustifiable linear economy. The circular economy takes into consideration the limited number of resources and therefore uses a restorative concept—take, make, use, reuse, and reuse again and again—which is designed for making continual use and reuse of resources to close the loop of material flows and thereby eliminate waste. (Ki, Chong and Ha‐Brookshire, 2020). This concept is an essential part of the planet’s future in relation to consumption.
Sustainability in fashion refers to the way of both creating, consuming and disposing clothing in a way which reduces the impact on not only the environment but also to the society and economy. As defined by the United Nations Brundtland Commission “it is crucial that the needs of the present generation are met without compromising the ability if future generations to meet their needs” (United Nations Brundtland Commission, 1987)
In 2015 a set of seventeen Sustainable Development Goals were set up by the UN to assure the worlds future. Amongst these goals sits responsible consumption and production, an environmental goal which should be considered by both consumers and brands. Some steps to achieving this goal include sustainable sourcing, energy efficiency, manufacturing decisions, new and sustainable business models as well as innovative end of use options.
Recognising the threats involved in the current fashion industry, moving away from a linear economy couldn’t be more important. The overall concept of sustainability is not only about environmentally friendly products but also needs to factor in usage and disposal. Additionally, brand and individuals aligning with the UN’s STG’s is crucial and more vital than ever before. It is everyone’s responsibility to collaborate, ensuring the preservation of the planet.
Reference List
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2021). Redesigning the Future of Fashion. [online] ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/fashion/overview [Accessed 6 Oct. 2023].
Fernandez, C. (2018). How Can Fashion Embrace the Circular Economy? [online] The Business of Fashion. Available at: https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/news-analysis/how-can-fashion-embrace-the-circular-economy/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2023].
Hethorn, J. and Ulasewicz, C. (2015). University of the Arts London WebLogin. [online] login.arts.idm.oclc.org. Available at: https://www-bloomsburyfashioncentral-com.arts.idm.oclc.org/encyclopedia-chapter?docid=b-9781501312250&tocid=b-9781501312250-0000201&pdfid= [Accessed 6 Oct. 2023].
Ki, C. (Chloe), Chong, S.M. and Ha‐Brookshire, J.E. (2020). How fashion can achieve sustainable development through a circular economy and stakeholder engagement: A systematic literature review. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 27(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.1970.
United Nations Brundtland Commission (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. [online] United Nations Brundtland Commission, p.41. Available at: http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf [Accessed 6 Oct. 2023].