Planet
Planet represents 1 of the 4 pillars of business. It represents environmental sustainability and the effect of consumers on the economy and the environment. Economic stability is about using practices that support long-term economic growth without negatively impacting the social, environmental, and cultural aspects of the community. Planet in fashion relates most to three sustainable development goals: affordable and clean energy, climate action and responsible consumption and production. In 2007, B-Corp Models were established. A total of 150 questions dig into a business. Companies need over 80 points to achieve a pass, but they also have to be accountable for their employees, society and the environment in order to become certified. Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
A circular economy tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution for products to be reusable and reduce waste. Currently, the economy is only 8.6% circular and has therefore got a set target of becoming 17% circular by 2030. By making the economy more circular we would reduce the energy consumption used when manufacturing products and therefore reduce carbon emissions. If done right, the circular economy shrinks harmful activities such as carbon emissions, air pollution and toxicity exposure, and increases positive actions such as habitat restoration, renewable energy and cleaning the air.
The word ‘sustainability’ in the context of fashion most prominently refers to the environmental impacts of making, wearing, and caring for use and the disposal of clothing. Sustainability in fashion is becoming increasingly important to our planet. The Pulse of the Fashion Industry Survey has identified that 75% of consumers across Brazil, USA, China and the UK consider sustainability an important factor in purchases The clothing made by fast fashion brands isn’t made to last, the aim is to get you to buy more, and as we buy more it creates more landfill and toxins for our planet. Indeed in 2010 cotton and polyester together accounted for 85% of world fibre production. (Fletcher, K. (2014). Sustainable fashion and textiles : design journeys. 2nd ed. London ; New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, Cop.) Companies that work on sustainability supply better quality, longer-lasting clothing and cause less damage to the environment. An example of a sustainable brand in fashion is Pangaia. They use recycled cotton to help extend the life span of the clothes and organic cotton as its less pollutant to the planet and a percentage of all profits go to help tackle global warming. ‘Organic cotton is a perfect way to bridge the gap between demand and sustainability by complying with stringent organic agricultural standards and certifications’ Wearme Fashion (2021). Sustainable Fashion. Promopress.
The twelfth SDG is responsible consumption and production and is very relevant to our planet and sustainability. Consumption and production drive the global economy, but also cause damage to our planetary health through the unsustainable use of natural resources. The global material footprint is increasing faster than population growth and economic output. Especially considering fast fashion brands are so popular, causing such a huge addition to the carbon footprint.
Chatham House (2021). What is the circular economy? [online] Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank. Available at: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/06/what-circular-economy.
Fletcher, K. (2014). Sustainable fashion and textiles : design journeys. 2nd ed. London ; New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, Cop.
Cultivating Capital (2019). What You Ought to Know About Certified B Corps. [online] Cultivating Capital. Available at: https://www.cultivatingcapital.com/b-corporation/.
Wearme Fashion (2021). Sustainable Fashion. Promopress.
GOV.UK (2021). Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementing-the-sustainable-development-goals/implementing-the-sustainable-development-goals–2.