How fast fashion fuels climate change, plastic pollution, and violence, P14
- Shidonna Raven
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
By Helle Abelvik-Lawson
September 22, 2023
Source: Green Peace
Shidonna Raven Fashion - Home & Heirloom Collection. All Rights Reserved. Copyright. Trademark.
Photo Source: Unsplash
So how can individuals actually make a difference?
Ultimately, it’s not our fault as individuals that the global fashion industry is in this mess. But it is within our power as consumers to think more about our purchases.
We all have to wear clothes, and they need to be affordable for everyone. But there is a better way.
Firstly, we can hold companies accountable for their promises. For example, the UK’s Green Claims Code might offer a way to call out companies that promise “green” collections or “recycled” garments.
Secondly, we can join campaigns that scrutinise fashion companies’ environmental and labour rights practices – such as Fashion Revolution or Labour Behind the Label.
Finally, we can develop a deeper connection with our clothing, to slowly but surely change the way fashion works for us – either as individuals or together.
This might be by buying second hand, or from sustainable brands.
Or it might be by joining up with communities that sell, swap, rent, mend or upcycle – like Sustainable Fashion Week. It could also be through making: learn to sew, crochet or knit to see just how much work goes into making one simple garment.
The good news is, everyone who buys and wears clothing can have a hand in bringing the fashion industry under control. Companies can’t keep selling single-use fashion made in miserable working conditions when there’s no demand for these products.
Now that we know about the long history of fashion exploiting people and the planet – from cotton demand fuelling slavery to polyester driving oil production and pollution – it must become just that: history.
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