‘Radical changes’ needed to halt fashion’s imprint on climate change 

The fast fashion industry introduces modern clothing at reasonable prices and at regular intervals but at what environmental cost?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nation’s body for assessing the science related to climate change, released its sixth assessment report in August and the effect that the fashion industry has on the earth’s climate is less than favourable. 

North-West University academic Roelof Burger, professor of atmospheric research who was doing research in the United States at the time of the interview, says that small scale behavioural changes such as switching one’s clothing brand will not make a big difference in putting a stop to climate change. 

Burger said “mass and radical changes” are needed.

According to IPCC report, the fashion industry accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions, which is more than the emissions of all the international flights and maritime shipping combined. 

Furthermore, it is estimated that the fashion industry uses about 1,5 trillion litres of water annually. Concerns about pollution, specifically chemical waste and microplastics, have been rising. 

Asked about fashion and climate change Burger said, “The fashion industry could be seen as a representation of the modern attitude towards life in general, and reflects our priorities. 

“I think there is a systemic problem with society and the values that drive us and fashion might be a good place to say this [the fashion industry]  epitomises that problem,” said Burger.

According to him Joe Soap and company could help by changing their behaviour.

 “If you really care, help the SA clothing market, which improves poverty. This improves people’s ‘resilience’, which allows them to better deal with the approaching impact of climate change,” he said. 

“That’s why I say we need to get better, because just getting smarter is not the only thing [we need]. We need to care more about the planet and one another. Many of the virtuoso signallers forget about the second one.”

“I think climate change is just another way everyone wants to show how ‘good’ they are. To feel better about their Louis Vuitton handbag.”

To test Burger’s point, a snap survey was conducted to gather information from approximately 30 NWU students about the impact that fashion has on the environment.

The majority of students who participated in the survey stated that they make use of retail stores like MrPrice, Woolworths and PicknPay Clothing, which are fast fashion outlets.

Students were also asked whether they were aware of the impact fashion has on the environment. About 60 percent of the participants in the study were acquainted with the negative effects.

“I try to shop at chain stores where recycled materials are used for the production of clothes,” says Annelien Koekemoer, a third-year accounting student.

The 40 percent participants who did not know that the fashion industry had a negative effect on the environment, were asked what effect fashion has on the environment. 

“The fashion industry probably generates a lot of greenhouse gasses due to mass production and transportation efforts,” said Jonathan Beardsley, a third-year psychology student. 

Only 38 percent of students knew of local student designers and entrepreneurs who own their own clothing label/brand.

Hooked On Hugs is a local clothing business based in Potchefstroom owned by Katya Bessarabov, a third-year music student, and she sells items made from only natural materials such as pure cotton yarn and eco-bamboo yarn.

The business operates through social and orders can be placed online with all the details available on Instagram @hookedonhugs. 

“My heart breaks to see the state of our environment. I do what I can to contribute to ease the environmental devastation,” she said about the impact of the fashion industry on climate change.

Hooked On Hugs offers sustainable fashion as opposed to fashion that is mass produced and negatively impacts the environment. 

Although environmental change needs swift and radical behavioral development in society, choosing alternatives to fast fashion is a good start. – Christiaan de Klerk, Dané Jordaan, Elsje-Marié Jordaan and Marizyl Marais