The Fashion industry isthe second largest pollution system within the modern society, which is next to thelargest source,oil. The fashion industry is capable enough to shift the entire environmental system.In order to prevent the unnecessary pollution to the Earth and try our best to protect the environment, thefashion industry needs to make sustainability their primary goal when it runs the business.
When we think about pollution, we might think coal power plants, plastic bottles, vehicle exhaust, etc. However, the Fashion industryis actually the second largest polluter in the world. Fashion is a complex business which involves several different parts.For example, long and varied supply chains of production, raw material, textile manufactures, clothing construction, shipping, retail, use,and ultimately disposal of the garment. Every single part of the system will cause certain pollution during the progress. Making fashion productsdoes not createobvious pollutantssuch aspesticides used in cotton farming and the toxic dyes used in manufacturing.It'salso the largeamountsof natural resources used in extraction, farming, harvesting, processing, manufacturing and shipping.
The Fashion industry playsa big part on global economy, bysupporting hundreds of millions of jobs around the worldand gains the revenue of over 1.3 trillion dollars. However, the success comes with a high price which is paid by our environment. Fortunately, new technologies and ideas can lead the future ofthefashion industry to a more sustainable way which is the only way that we can protect our planet efficiently.
First, we can shift the fabrics that the industry favored to more sustainable materials.
Although the price is higher than others, Lyocell, is made from wood pulp and has a low environmental impact in its production and processing when compared to alternatives like cotton, (Pauline Op de Beeck, March,29,2018).With the recognition of the sustainability and consideration ofthe reputational benefits it will brings, many companies are now utilizing this fabric and try to make it in their product lines.
Also, designers should design the products not only for aesthetic, but also for longevity. Making clothes that last just three months longer can help cut 3% from the carbon, water and waste impact of companies in the fashion supply chain, according to WRAP’s Sustainable Clothing Action Plan. (Pauline Op de Beeck, March,29,2018) In the other hand, Dame Vivienne Westwood’s mantra is now inspired to more and more designers and customers. The shopping trend will become “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.” This idea will encourage people to buy high quality products with longer using time which is more sustainable than before.
Last, beyond those two things I mentioned above. The most important thing is that people need to have the willing to be changed. It drives the shift towards a more sustainable fashion industry. For instance, H&M announced in April 2017 that they are aiming to become 100% circular by 2030, meaning that they will only use recycled or other sustainably-sourced materials. (Pauline Op de Beeck, March,29,2018) Following with it, other small brands and companies are now all recognizing the important of being sustainable and make their decision to become a more sustainable brand.
Sustainability is important to the future of fashion, because if we want to have a better future with low carbon and eco-friendly environment, fashion industry need to be more sustainable and it have to fundamentally change for the better.
Reference:
Beeck, P. O. (2018, March 29). Three sustainability trends shaping the future of the fashion industry. Retrieved September 12, 2018, from https://www.carbontrust.com/news/2018/03/sustainability-trends-future-of-fashion-industry/
Sweeny, G. (2015, August 17). Fast Fashion Is the Second Dirtiest Industry in the World, Next to Big Oil. Retrieved September 12, 2018, from https://www.ecowatch.com/fast-fashion-is-the-second-dirtiest-industry-in-the-world-next-to-big--1882083445.html
I really like your ideas Yilin! I think people will only agree to change if they want to, and it's important to show people why they should care about sustainability. Since fashion changes the way people dress themselves everyday, by having fashion change their ways, it would help public opinion shift into something more environmentally friendly.
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