TALKIN' ABOUT A REVOLUTION

On The Cold, Hard Facts

“It’s been estimated that by 2050 an 80% industry-wide emissions cut is needed to align the industry’s emissions to 2°C warming [the temperature widely understood to be a tipping point in global climate change]. However, fashion’s CO2 emissions are currently projected to increase by more than 60% by 2030. In practice, the science is clear: we have very few years to mitigate the disastrous consequences of climate breakdown. Every action matters. Sustainability is no longer optional.”

On Making A Difference

This is the first year brands will score over 60%, which demonstrates that progressive brands are now taking real, tangible steps to disclose more about their social and environmental policies, practices and impacts. Adidas, Reebok and Patagonia each score 64%, followed by Esprit and H&M. It’s a marked improvement from 2017 when no brands scored more than 50%. The overall average score among the 200 brands and retailers is 21% and this score has not increased since last year when we reviewed 150 brands.

The area where we’ve seen the most significant progress is in Traceability. This year, 35% of the 200 major fashion brands are publishing a list of their first-tier manufacturers, up from 12.5% three years ago. Ten brands are disclosing some of the facilities or farms supplying their fibres. This is a significant increase from 2018 where a solitary brand disclosed this information.

fashion revolution campaigns in store 

On The Future Of Fashion

The world’s largest fashion brands certainly have the ability and, I would argue, the moral imperative to fully embrace sustainability and thus effect change on a global scale for the large numbers of people in their supply chain and for the world’s ecosystems. Fashion brands know that they’ll have to embrace more sustainable practices in order to survive into the future as climate breakdown and scarcity of resources like water will dramatically affect our society and economy. That puts them in a really powerful position and we’re witnessing a seismic shift towards sustainability in the fashion industry. Moreover, they know that their customers care about sustainability and are increasingly adept at spotting greenwashing.

On Getting Involved

Our mantra is: Be Curious, Find Out, Do Something. Our downloadable resources, videos, fanzines and online learning courses to help people on their journey. This attitude helps to ensure we keep our audience interested and active on both fronts.”

On The Main Concerns

“One is that progress on human rights and gender equality may be overlooked in the race towards more environmentally responsible practices and we cannot allow this to happen.

We know the two are interlinked and that women’s economic empowerment – closing gender gaps at work, from management to the factory floor – is key to realising women’s rights.”

fashion revolution campaigners in san francisco 

On Having Faith

Research shows that with the right impetus, people can change their habits relatively quickly. For instance, the fashion resale market is exploding – it has grown 21 times faster than the retail market over the past three years and is expected to be bigger than fast fashion within the next decade. Hiring, swapping, upcycling and mending are all becoming mainstream activities. Fashion brands need to innovate in order to keep their customers engaged as they seek to enjoy fashion in new and different ways.

Last Word?

At the moment they just aren’t doing enough, but major fashion brands have the potential to improve the lives of millions of people – particularly women – around the world. With greater transparency and accountability, investment in innovation and in new industry models, this can become a reality.

LISTEN TO THIS

Conscious Chatter

For those hunting for ways to be a more conscious fashion lover

Sustainababble

If we don't laugh, we'll cry - a light-hearted take on a grave issue