Tag: Clothing, Sustainable Fashion, Social Responsibility
In recent years, the fashion industry has been under increased scrutiny for its impact on society and the environment. As one of the largest industries in the world, with an estimated worth of $2.5 trillion in 2018 (1), it is no surprise that its practices have significant consequences.
One of the most pressing issues surrounding fashion is its effect on our planet. The production and disposal of clothing contribute to various environmental problems such as pollution, water scarcity, and climate change. According to a report by McKinsey & Company(2), if nothing changes, by 2050, the fashion industry will use up a quarter of our global carbon budget.
Moreover, fast-fashion – cheaply made clothing designed to be worn only a few times before being discarded – has become increasingly popular but at what cost? These garments often end up in landfills where they take hundreds of years to decompose or are incinerated, releasing harmful chemicals into the air.
But it’s not just our planet that suffers from this excessive consumption; human rights are also at stake. The majority of garment workers in developing countries are women who face poor working conditions and unfair wages (3). In fact,
the Rana Plaza tragedy in Bangladesh back in 2013 highlighted these issues when over 1,100 factory workers died due to unsafe working conditions.
However, there is hope for a more sustainable future for fashion. A growing number of brands are implementing eco-friendly practices such as using organic materials or introducing recycling programs for their products. Consumers are also becoming more aware and demanding transparency from companies regarding their supply chains.
Sustainable fashion is gaining momentum with concepts like slow-fashion promoting quality over quantity and encouraging consumers to invest in pieces that will last longer rather than constantly buying new items (4). Additionally,
social responsibility is becoming an important factor for many consumers, causing them to choose brands that align with their values.
In conclusion, the fashion industry has a significant impact on both our society and the environment. It is essential to address these issues and work towards more sustainable practices. As consumers, we have the power to influence change by making conscious decisions about what we wear and where we shop. By supporting brands that prioritize social responsibility and sustainability, together, we can create a better future for fashion.
References:
1) Business of Fashion – “The State of Fashion 2019” report
2) McKinsey & Company – “Style that’s sustainable: A new fast-fashion formula”
3) Global Labour University – “Fast Fashion Is Exploitative but Sustainable Fashion Is Elitist”
4) Sloww.co – What is Slow-Fashion?
