Top 5 ways fashion can make the world a better place
We are often told that our simple choices can change the world. Knowing that in 2010, consumers spent around US$1.8 trillion worldwide buying clothes, fashion can definitely have an impact on making the world a better place. So how can fashion push the human race forward?
5. Support Biodiversity
Fashion can contribute to conserving biodiversity through its wide use of raw materials derived from products that rely on biodiverse ecosystems. Though it might seem counterintuitive, The United Nations Trade and Development body is, at the moment, linking biodiversity and high fashion with regards to the sustainable use and conservation of reptiles through the reptile skin market. High fashion being a trendsetter, the UN body is hoping that the trend will filter down to mass-market retailing.
4. Protect the Environment
“Fast fashion” has a heavy ecological footprint. The use of manmade fibers, especially polyester has nearly doubled in the last 15 years according to Environmental Health Perspectives. The manufacture process of synthetic fabrics is an energy-intensive one necessitating important amounts of crude oil. Even natural crops, like cotton, can have a harmful impact on the environment by way of the extensive use of pesticides, defoliants and water. The fashion industry as a whole has an opportunity to develop best management practices, technologies and techniques that help minimize waste, chemicals and water – as well as develop more sound sourcing practices. This move is being championed by both independent designers and larger brands alike.
3. Empower women
According to the ILO, over 74% of people employed by the apparel and textile manufacturing sectors are women (1995). In general, this industry pays better wages than the agriculture industry for instance. However, women are mainly hired at the low-skill end of production. This is an area where the fashion industry can take action. By providing the women with the know-how for specialized skills through skill-building sessions, the fashion industry can empower women. By empowering women and paying them higher wages, the fashion industry can eventually give women access to healthcare and education. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality seeks to revive the traditional textile skills in order to create economic opportunity for women. The Lao Women’s Economic Empowerment in Pakthaep project is an explicit example of how woman can take an active role in the cottage industry.
2. Stimulate Economic Development
The textile and clothing industry can play a significant role in providing the opportunity for sustained economic development in less-developed countries. This pivotal role that the industry can hold emanates from its economic and social weight. In fact, the textile industry can provide employment (especially for women and indigenous communities), income and foreign currency receipts through international trade. The International Trade Center (ITC), which is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, has launched the Ethical Fashion Program in order to promote trade of sustainable fashion products between international companies and micro producers based in marginalized communities in Africa. The program so far was able to generate more than 7,000 jobs for women and marginalized population in East Africa. By promoting exports, the ITC initiative addresses extreme poverty and supports entrepreneurship. Ethical fashion can thus bring an important component in meeting the Millennium Development Goals promises and improving the conditions of the world’s poorest people.
1. Follow the Thread
“Following the thread – thinking about where something comes from and where and how it was made,” is the one of the most essential elements that will allow us to change the world for the better, says Adriana Herrera, the Founder and CEO of Fashioning Change, a platform that provides stylish eco-friendly and ethical alternatives to name brand. By making a well-thought-out textile choice, designers have the power to create an economy where the products are environmentally-preferable and sweatshop free. Brands such as The IOU Project, STUDY, and People Tree are taking great care to share more of the social and environmental stories behind their brands. ♥
