# data[].attributes.body
The fast fashion industry has expanded rapidly over the past few decades, dramatically changing how consumers approach clothing purchases. This business model thrives on producing low-cost, trend-driven products, encouraging consumers to buy frequently. While this has resulted in considerable economic gains for fashion companies, the environmental and social costs of fast fashion are becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. This padlet explores fast fashion as an ethical issue and its connection to SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which calls for sustainable practices in both production and consumption. Drawing from the journal article The Environmental Price of Fast Fashion by Niinimäki et al. (2020), this discussion will highlight the significant environmental impacts of fast fashion and evaluate its ethical implications through various ethical frameworks.

# data[].attributes.body
Fast fashion is characterized by mass production, cheap materials, and quick turnover, making it one of the most resource-intensive industries globally. Niinimäki et al. (2020) reveal several troubling statistics in their study. The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, amounting to 4-5 billion tonnes of CO2 annually. Additionally, it consumes 79 trillion liters of water each year, contributing significantly to industrial water pollution due to textile dyeing and treatment processes. These statistics emphasize the serious environmental degradation caused by the industry's relentless pursuit of speed and low costs (Niinimäki et al., 2020). Textile waste is another major concern. Each year, over 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced, much of which is incinerated or ends up in landfills, contributing to long-term environmental damage. A large portion of this waste includes unsold garments, reflecting the industry's overproduction problem (Niinimäki et al., 2020). Moreover, the rise of synthetic fibers like polyester—which accounts for more than 50% of global fiber production—adds to environmental harm. Every year, around 190,000 tonnes of microplastics from these fibers end up polluting the oceans (Niinimäki et al., 2020). Despite these well-known environmental consequences, fast fashion continues to thrive, driven by consumer demand for cheap, trendy clothing and business models focused on profit over sustainability. However, the long-term impacts on the planet and future generations are alarming. This brings into question what ethical responsibility businesses have in addressing these impacts.

# data[].attributes.body
Several ethical theories provide useful frameworks for analyzing the ethical dimensions of fast fashion.

Utilitarianism, which seeks to maximize overall happiness and minimize harm, suggests that the environmental and social harms caused by fast fashion far outweigh its short-term economic benefits. The exploitation of natural resources and workers to produce cheap, disposable clothing benefits businesses and consumers in the short term, but the long-term damage to the environment and workers’ welfare is substantial. From a utilitarian perspective, fast fashion’s net harm makes it an unsustainable and unethical practice (Niinimäki et al., 2020).

Kantian ethics, which emphasizes treating individuals as ends in themselves and not merely as means to an end, is also highly relevant. Many fast fashion companies exploit workers, particularly in developing countries where labor is cheap and working conditions are poor. The lack of transparency in supply chains and the exploitation of vulnerable workers violate Kant’s principle of respect for human dignity. Companies that prioritize profit over the well-being of workers are acting unethically by failing to honor the intrinsic value of these individuals (Niinimäki et al., 2020).

Virtue ethics, which focuses on the development of good moral character and virtues such as responsibility, honesty, and care for others, would encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable and ethical practices. A virtuous company would strive to minimize its environmental footprint, treat workers fairly, and promote responsible consumption. In contrast, fast fashion promotes impulsive buying and wastefulness, which run counter to virtues like moderation and stewardship (Niinimäki et al., 2020).

# data[].attributes.body
SDG12 emphasizes the importance of sustainable production and consumption. Fast fashion directly contradicts this goal by promoting overproduction and encouraging consumers to buy more than they need, leading to excessive waste. To align with SDG12, businesses in the fashion industry must fundamentally rethink their approach, shifting from prioritizing quantity and speed to focusing on quality and sustainability (Niinimäki et al., 2020). One critical step in addressing this issue is moving towards a circular economy within the fashion industry. This would involve designing products that last longer, are easier to repair, and are made from sustainable materials. Some fashion brands are already adopting practices such as renting, reselling, and upcycling clothing, which align more closely with responsible production and consumption principles (Niinimäki et al., 2020). However, for these practices to become widespread, significant changes are required in both consumer behavior and business models. Consumers need to be more mindful of their purchasing decisions, focusing on quality over quantity and prioritizing sustainability. Similarly, businesses must take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from sourcing sustainable materials to ensuring garments can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their useful life. Only through such comprehensive changes can the fashion industry mitigate its environmental impact and contribute meaningfully to achieving SDG12 (Niinimäki et al., 2020).

# data[].attributes.body
1. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion's Future. This report advocates for a circular economy approach in fashion, aligning with SDG12 by promoting recycling, reuse, and responsible production practices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion’s future

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fashion is a vibrant industry that employs hundreds of millions, generates significant revenues, and touches almost everyone, everywhere.

# data[].attributes.body
2. United Nations Climate Change. (2018). UN Helps Fashion Industry Shift to Low Carbon. This article highlights efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry, directly linking to SDG12 and corporate responsibility.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
UN Climate Change News, 6 September 2018 - As the fashion community gathers in New York for the opening of this year's fashion week, the 2.5 trillion USD industry is experiencing a significant transformation.With the help of the UN, more and more corporations are making the shift to sustainable business models which can help fight climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The fashion industry, including the production of all clothes which people wear, contributes to around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to its long supply chains and energy intensive production. The industry consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industry combined.

Shifting practices in the fashion industry to reduce carbon emissions is key to limiting warming to as close to 1.5°C above pre-Industrial Revolution levels, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

To celebrate fashion designers and international companies that promote sustainability, UN Climate Change, in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Environment and other partners, regularly hosts an alternative fashion show called the " Green Fashion Week". Its 7 th edition took place in Dubai earlier this year and illustrated how sustainable fashion brands are already setting the paths towards less destructive business models.

In addition to its carbon intensive supply chain and production processes, the fashion industry consumes a great deal of other precious resources.

To make just one pair of denim jeans, 10,000 liters of water is required to just grow the one kilo of cotton needed for the pair of jeans. In comparison, one person would take 10 years to drink 10,000 liters of water.

Cumulatively, the fashion industry produces about 20% of global waste water. Furthermore, 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated when most of these materials could be reused.

One good example of how ambition to tackle climate change is growing in the fashion industry is collaborative initiative called the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, co-sponsored by 10 UN organizations including UN Climate Change.

The World Bank contributes to the alliance through its Connect4Climate Initiative, a partnership that brings together more than 500 actors around the world to support climate leadership. Most recently, the initiative launched the virtual reality project " X-Ray Fashion VR " which takes the audience through the lifespan of garment production and highlights the adverse impacts on our climate and environment.

To help build awareness around fashion's impact on the environment, UN Development Program Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh explains the use of forest based materials for sustainable fashion in this video " Made in Forests ".

UN Climate Change encourages sustainable fashion through its Climate Neutral Now (CNN) campaign which connects organizations that want to offset carbon emission with investments in carbon emissions reductions across the developing world.

Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, who works for Climate Neutral Now, described CNN's involvement with sustainable fashion as "kick-starting a multi-stakeholder initiative to mobilize fashion around climate actionthrough three work streams: enabling "within sector" collaboration; facilitating engagement with policymakers; and catalyzing action and providing recognition."

At last year's major UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, the fashion industry outlined which steps it is taking to support the goals of the Paris Climate Change agreement.

For example, the fast fashion retailer H&M shared their strategy to be 100% run on renewable energy by 2040 with a fully circular production model, where the by-product of one industry serves the objective of another.
Other Inspiring Examples of Climate Action in the Fashion Industry
The 2018 Pulse of the Fashion Industry Report also contains positive news. There was a 6% increase in general sustainability efforts across the entire garment industry since last year's report. The weakest points in the industry are small and medium sized enterprises in the entry- to mid-price segments which comprise just over 50% of the entire industry, pointing to issues of scale in implementing general sustainability measures. However, new data presented in the 2017 report shows that a failure to implement sustainability measures into garment production will cause companies to lose out on a 2% increase in earnings by 2030.

Additionally, the famous blue jean manufacturer Levi, Strauss & Co has announced a new climate change action plan. Using Science Based Targets, the company plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% across its global supply chain by 2025. The plan also includes a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in all owned-and-operated facilities, which will be achieved by investing in onsite renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UN Helps Fashion Industry Shift to Low Carbon | UNFCCC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
UN Climate Change News, 6 September 2018 - As the fashion community gathers in New York for the opening of this year's fashion week, the 2.5 trillion USD industry is experiencing a significant transformation.With the help of the UN, more and more corporations are making the shift to sustainable business models which can help fight climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

# data[].attributes.body
3. Turker, D., & Altuntas, C. (2014). Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Fast Fashion Industry: An Analysis of Corporate Reports. This article explores ethical issues in fast fashion supply chains, supporting the discussion of Kantian ethics and the importance of fair treatment for workers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
About ScienceDirect
Shopping cart
Contact and
supportTerms and
conditionsPrivacy policy

# data[].attributes.body
Fast fashion presents a significant ethical challenge in today’s global economy. While it offers short-term economic benefits, the environmental and social costs are too great to ignore. The fashion industry must take responsibility for its role in exacerbating climate change, depleting natural resources, and perpetuating social inequalities. By adopting more sustainable practices and embracing a circular economy, the industry can better align with SDG12 and promote a more ethical and sustainable future. Consumers also play a crucial role by supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and reducing their consumption of fast fashion.

Ultimately, the future of fashion must balance economic success with ethical responsibility. By adopting sustainable business models, respecting workers' rights, and reducing the industry's environmental footprint, businesses can help create a better world for future generations (Niinimäki et al., 2020).

# data[].attributes.body
Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T., & Gwilt, A. (2020). The environmental price of fast fashion. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1(4), 189-201.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
(PDF) The environmental price of fast fashion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PDF | The fashion industry is the second largest industrial polluter after aviation, accounting for up to 10% of global pollution. Despite the widely... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate