The Sustainable Development Goals were developed by the United Nations in order to address global social and environmental challenges. If brands and companies in the fashion industry work to adopt the SDGs, then the fashion industry can become a place that contributes to global equality, biodiversity and overall well-being.
In order to face up to the environmental challenges, the different bodies associated with the UN announced the creation of the Alliance for Sustainable Fashion in 2019 which brings together a number of brands.
The United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion is an initiative of United Nations agencies and allied organizations designed to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through coordinated action in the fashion sector. Specifically, the Alliance works to support coordination between UN bodies working in fashion and promoting projects and policies that ensure that the fashion value chain contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals’ targets.
It is a great initiative to move towards strengthening ethical fashion which is much needed to tackle climate change.
Recent surveys shows that fashion industry has become the 2nd most polluting industry. As fashion trends is rapidly increasing has lead to more number of the companies who are building their business in this industry and its production resulting in a large volume of carbon emissions. Over last 5 years, the increase in garment waste has increased to approximately 400 percent.
Cotton is the main source for the garments and every year tons of the same is been used in the textile industry. Now the cotton crop is the most pesticide-intensive crop in the world. To generate one pound of cotton requires 135 gms of pesticide. So again fashion industry is the cause of environmental pollution.
In most of the fashion accessories like belts, wallet, shoes, etc. contains led content which effects the environment that also leads to health issues to human life. Centre for Environmental Health declared that many popular brands are selling their products having led content.
To overcome the above mentioned issues, the fashion industry is trying to transform itself to be more environmental friendly by encouraging the sustainable fashion.
Sustainability in the fashion industry is using materials and manufacturing with the least or no negative environmental impact. It should also use healthy processes for the workers making them.
In order to achieve this, fashion industries should focus on how to tackle the environmental and social issues related to clothing production and consumption: Implementation of sustainable design strategies, promoting the use of sustainable technologies and appropriate resource management throughout the textile supply chain, proposing new business models and engaging with consumers for better consumption habits.
It is also important to provide knowledge about the SDGs and the relation to fashion to Fashion design-related students from universities, since they will be the front force of the market in the next years.
Repairing, and redesigning should be encouraged. Consumers, designers, brands should follow the 5 R’s of fashion – Reduce, Repair, Recycle, Repurpose, and Reinvent. We must say a big ‘No’ to destructive fashion by prioritizing eco-fashion.
Sustainability sets the focus on the future. Green fashion is contributing to keep the planet clean and a better place to live. That is why green fashion must be encouraged.
Ask questions about material and labour before buying. If you’re not getting the responses you want from environmental, social and ethical perspectives, then demand better, and look for alternatives. Or maybe you’ll decide to mend an old favourite instead. Let your fashion choice be your expression, your voice, and your vote for a sustainable future.