It is no secret that the fashion industry has a massive impact on the environment and our planet. But who can we hold accountable for the damage? How much power do consumers really have and what can we do to drive change?
It is important to acknowledge that although fashion is one of the main polluters of our planet, it is certainly not the only one. This post and our podcast episode focus on the impact fashion in particular has on our environment.
You can find some key points from Consciousness Beyond The Product, Episode 10: Fashion and the Climate Crisis below.
First and foremost, it is absolutely necessary to start electing leaders and politicians who acknowledge the urgency and effects of climate change and who are working hard to reverse it.
We need people in charge who are proactive and a driving force, who are pushing for laws and regulations that benefit everyone, particularly minority groups.
It is equally important that the fashion industry (particularly Fashion Media, Advertising and Brands) is being held accountable for how the industry operates and how they are perpetuating an image of overconsumption that is destroying our planet.
For too long now, brands have been able to hide behind greenwashing and deceiving marketing techniques, which have resulted in making the sustainable fashion space even more confusing. Media and Advertising have been falling for the same traps and have been regularly engaging with these techniques as well. All of them, no matter their size, are obliged to acknowledge that they are part of the problem and need to do better and use their voice to advocate for an industry shift.
It is no longer acceptable to put the blame on individual consumers; we need to finally acknowledge the massive part big corporations play in accelerating the climate crisis.
Of course, change on an individual level is important as well: reducing our fashion consumption for example plays a big role in helping the fashion system to slow down. Some of the options are shopping less, buying more consciously and opting for second-hand items that are already in the fashion cycle as well as to continuously demand from brands to do better and realise their responsibility.
Individual change is great but focusing on systemic change and getting governments and big players involved is ultimately what will drive change.
To find out more about what we can do to drive change and how big of an impact the fashion industry really has on people and the planet, make sure you listen to the new episode of our podcast ‘Consciousness Beyond The Product’ featuring Bel Jacobs, Gaia Rattazzi and Phoebe Nicette.
You can listen to the full episode via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
As well as find out more on our Instagram account @sabinna_com
Any questions, thoughts or feedback? E-mail us at podcast@sabinna.com or send us a DM via Instagram.
