Complexity of Sustainability

Image courtesy of 3DLOOK

Sustainability within the world of fashion is a topic I can’t ignore, especially as a fashion student. My interest in sustainability was peaked greatly after taking a course dedicated to sustainable practices within the industry. That course gave me a clear and nuanced understanding of what it truly means to be "sustainable"—a concept far more complex than it appears. I was especially intrigued by the idea of a Circular Economy, a model where waste is eliminated, and resources are continuously cycled back into production. In this approach, every material and product finds new life within the system, creating a sustainable loop that benefits both the environment and the economy. Yet, whose responsibility is it to lead this major shift?

Although it might seem as if the major fashion companies are calling the shots, every successful company revolves around their customers buying behaviour. However, customers only have so much impact because their buying power is determined by the economy and their confidence and ability to spend. So this dilemma leads us to the debate of:

Is it the responsibility of consumers, major corporations, or government leaders to lead a sustainable shift in the fashion indsutry?

I must touch on the major factor that has created fast fashion and the climate crisis which is capitalism. If profit maximization, that is pursued at any cost, weren’t the primary priority for every major corporation this debate would not exist. Many companies resist fully committing to sustainable practices as it can be costly and could lead to a reduction in profit margins. The reality is most consumers cannot afford to shop sustainably unless it is second-hand, and I fall into this customer market. Of course, there is value in second-hand shopping because it keeps more clothes out of landfills, but the reality is manufacturing and spending of consumers as a whole will never cease so the production of it must be done in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

So to the argument of consumer responsibility, if consumers boycott brands that clearly do not have ethical practices, this takes hold of their power and forces these corporations to adapt. Unfortunately, it leaves shoppers with very few options in the current state of the fashion market. To the argument of large corporations responsibility, if they step up and decrease their environmental impact and unethical practices, this makes a major impact because of the size of their impact on the industry to begin with. To the argument of government leaders, if they enforce stricter regulations upon large corporations then there is guaranteed change that will happen. The question is, should the government be able to create such strict regulations?

Maybe it is as simple as every party involved makes changes. Ultimately, sustainability will continue to be a nuanced and complex topic within the industry. Personally, I will continue to do my best to make a small change in any way I can through my consumer spending power.