A few weeks ago, we dived into the circular economy; this week, we are diving into what this means to fashion. When applying the circularity principles to an incredibly resource-dependent, energy-intensive, and wasteful industry.
Why is it essential to shift towards circularity?
You may have heard this before, but it is worth stating this again for the people in the back! The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions annually! With social media trends, cycles have become shorter, and shopping for clothing online could be challenging. With the of a button, your new item will be at your doorstep as soon as the next day. Over the last 15 years, the number of times an item of clothing is used has decreased by 36%. New clothing items are only worn 7-10 times before their end of use, and this number has been declining.
What can we do to reduce fashion’s impact on the environment?
The solution to reducing fashion’s impact on the environment is not as complex as it may seem. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a beacon of circularity, advocates for new business models that promote clothing use, safe and renewable inputs, and solutions for used clothing. While this transition may take time, the global commitment to a more sustainable future is evident through initiatives like the Fashion Pact, uniting leading fashion houses in the pursuit of a net-zero future of fashion.
In addition, new business models should be developed that keep clothes in use and promote durability, not disposal. This comes with creating higher-quality items and straying away from fast fashion and quick trend cycles, leaning towards investment pieces or wardrobe staples, for example.
Another fun way to introduce circularity into your wardrobe is through clothing rentals. A variety of companies have hit the market with this now, offering a wonderful solution to short-term wear. For example, dresses for events that typically have a single use now can be worn multiple times by a bunch of happy people!
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