There is a point to all these sustainability initiatives. There is a reason why circular fashion brands and second-hand shopping are getting so much attention these days. It's not just because they're sometimes cheaper and always fit an edgy aesthetic: it's because they are doing real good for the planet.
The UN has created 17 sustainable development goals that we should all be collectively aiming for through our commitment to being sustainable consumers. It might sound insignificant, but every pair of jeans you repurpose, every sustainable business you support, and every charity shop you donate to makes a difference towards these huge goals. Some of these goals in particular will be largely determined by the choices of the fashion industry.
Around 10% of the global population live in extreme poverty in 2020. This will, imaginiably, only be made worse as we battle through the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is enough wealth in circulation in the world for poverty to be totally eradicated, but it is not equally distributed. Poverty is the result of a number of complex socio-economic factors, unfair and equal wages being one of them. The UN's first sustainable development goal is to eradicate poverty: for us, this starts with conscientious shopping. A billionaire is not going to hand over his obscene wealth without an incentive but, as a good friend of mine has told me, "your dollar is your vote". Show them that exploitative wages are not worth your custom, and take a step towards the eradication of global poverty.
This aim should really be a no-brainer, and probably falls under the remit of many of the UN's sustainable development goals, such as the eradication of poverty, a quest for greater justice in the world, and reducing inequalities globally. The sad fact is, however, that not everyone has learned the lessons of history. Just as slavery was, slavery still is. On every continent, there are people being exploited, abused, and traded like property. It might be closer to home than we would like to believe. This is why transparency in fashion is so vital: think about how that price got to be so low. If a company is reluctant to share the intimate details of their employees and production line, then there is a good reason for that...
The fight for gender equality is not over. All over the world, women are paid less than their male counterparts, subject to violence and harassment, and completely denied any opportunities for safe work or education. This has to stop in order to achieve a healthy, peaceful, happy, and sustainable society. Not only has the pandemic put a pause to the fight for greater gender equality on the level of political representation and lawmaking, but it has also seen a rise in domestic violence - in particular against women and girls. Now more than ever we must support businesses that grant women greater economic liberation.
Just as we must fight against modern day slavery, we must continue to stand up for the rights of children. Just as adults are exploited for their labour, so too is the labour of young people who cannot speak up for themselves. Instead of being forced to manufacture cheap clothes in unsanitary and harsh conditions, for next to no money, these children should be in education. They should have the opportunity to learn, make friends, and have a real childhood in a safe environment. They certainly should not be worrying about making a living. Once again, as consumers we have to start asking the tough questions about where our products come from, who made them, and how these people are treated.
Everyone deserves the right to safe, stable employment. Not only does decent work ensure that individuals and families are able to live healthily and happily, but it also leads to greater economic growth. Not all countries have benefitted from the same industrial advancements or education as others: if we strive to provide each country with the same tools for success, then we can watch the world flourish. This includes boycotting brands that keep people and communities down with their exploitative monopoly on the market.
The entirety of the UN's 17 sustainable development goals can be found here. All of them are necessary for a wholly fair, equal, and safe world. In order to achieve them, we have to do our bit and hold some of the fashion industry accountable.
The tide is starting to turn.
LRFS x
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