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When thinking Fashion Sustainability... Why be an earth systems thinker? What's importance of knowing earth's geosphere? Why consider biodiversity? Why is climate change knowledge so vital to true sustainability and responsibility in the fashion industry?
Consider the many companies that implement branded campaigns or initiatives to “promote sustainability;” are they truly sustainable? Do their initiatives look past brand image ratings and tackle root causes?
ReplyDeleteRobertson states that “the study of sustainability is the study of systems” and that a system is “a coherently organized set of interconnected elements that constitute a whole, where the identity of the whole is always more than the sum of its parts” (2017). In terms of studying sustainability, understanding the basics of the earth’s systems is crucial. Without an understanding of the earth’s systems, it is difficult to grasp the extent of the global issues we are facing today or identify their root causes—nonetheless propose truly viable solutions.
Comprehending how the living planet operates provides one with the ability to see the cyclical effects that individual actions have on people, the planet, and the economy. This too holds true for understanding sustainability in the industry of fashion as the effects of decisions made within the industry have far-reaching and significant impacts on everyone and everything. One can make the best decisions as an earth system’s thinker because of the holistic approach to interconnected issues. As such, an understanding of the earth’s geosphere is also necessary because each sphere has its own systems and each system interacts in some way with the systems in all the other spheres too.
All four spheres are crucial to the delicate balance that exists on our plant and all four spheres are threatened by current human economic activity. One of the most immediate threats our geosphere is facing is a decrease in biodiversity. In order for the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere to thrive in balance there must be adequate biological diversity. In other words; for life to continue there must be a rich and varied population of living organisms. By understanding the relationship between the spheres, an earth system’s thinker can identify immediate threats and comprehend the extent of potential damage. For example, the use of non-renewable resources is not just about the fact that there is a limited supply, it’s also about habitat destruction, pollution, and the consequential threat to the entire existence of our living planet.
A fundamental understanding of climate change demands having knowledge about earth systems, biodiversity, and the relationship between human actions and the far reaching effects they have. Companies like Patagonia and Everlane understand the geosphere and the systems that interact with one another; they understand the importance of biodiversity and the implications if it continues to diminish. In fact, these companies share their knowledge with their consumers and promote sustainable and viable consumption habits that benefit their consumers, the planet, and their bottom line.
In the fashion industry, it is easy to forget about how consumption, trends, and production impact other people, the planet, and the economy. By understanding the geosphere, earth systems and the importance of biodiversity, climate change takes on a clearer meaning and sustainability becomes a responsibility. Ultimately, true sustainability in the fashion industry requires leaders to develop this knowledge.
References
Robertson, M. (2017). Sustainability Principles and Practice. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Excellent post Caroline! Great work tieing in Robertson's book and you nicely state that the four spheres are in a delicate balance and the importance of biodiversity! I also love how you start out with the questions.... especially this one: "Do their initiatives look past brand image ratings and tackle root causes?" Great question- this is the point of our class- that sustainability should not just be a marketing initiative!
ReplyDeleteAlso quite nice in citing companies that are walking the walk right now! You are so right that the fashion industry requires leaders to develop this knowledge! Great work here and thank you!