The industry can’t ignore the impact its production methods are having on the world – it’s time to make big changes. Professor Helen Storey MBE guest blogs for WGSN.
The global fashion industry consumes nearly 1 billion kWh of electricity – or 130 million tonnes of coal – making the apparel industry a significant contributor to global greenhouse emissions.
To put it in perspective, the climate impact of one cotton t-shirt is roughly equal to the carbon footprint of driving a car for 10 miles.
With demand expected to grow and production shift to less energy efficient regions, the impact of cotton could grow by more than 50%.
Rather than admit defeat we can actually see this as a huge opportunity to lead in the fight against climate change.
Small changes will have a significant impact – an immediate and positive effect on our planet.
The fashion industry is perfectly placed to spread ideas and encourage action.
We have power as consumers, suppliers and designers to tap into fashion to innovate and influence culture.
We need to attack the status quo and interrogate the pervasive culture of fast, cheap fashion and think more deeply about how we clothe ourselves.
We also need to ask the difficult questions about whether we really want fashion at all costs – compromising our environment, depleting our resources and abusing the rights and health and safety of the skilled workers who make our clothing.
To read the full post and tips of reducing your footprint, head here.