Environmental Sustainability

…what impact does fashion have on it?

The fashion industry plays a significant role in the global economy, valued at over $2.5 trillion and employing 75 million people worldwide. As the population grows, so does fashion—clothing production doubled between 2000 and 2014, with 60% more garments being made.

In 2020, the textile consumption per person in North America required on average:

400m^2 of landmass,

9m^3 of water, and

391kg of raw materials

carbon footprint of about 270kg.

causing a

% Breakdown of Fashion's Impact on the Climate

Zaradi. "H&M and the Push for Sustainability in Fast Fashion." HBS Digital Initiative, 4 Nov. 2016, d3.harvard.edu/platform-rctom/submission/hm-and-the-push-for-sustainability-in-fast-fashion/.

SDG Goal & Challenge Card

Inspire through art

Many popular brands, like Stella McCartney, are leading the charge in sustainable fashion. McCartney’s brand uses eco-friendly materials and ethical practices to minimize environmental impact, setting an example for others in the industry to prioritize sustainability. Other brands are following suit, emphasizing the need for responsible production and reducing their environmental footprint.

View their 2023 impact report:

My initiative aligns with SDG 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on protecting oceans and marine life. By tackling pollution, overconsumption, and waste in the fashion industry, I'm addressing key contributors to marine degradation—plastic pollution, chemical runoff, and textile waste that harm our oceans.

  • The fashion industry contributes 35% of microplastics in the oceans. My initiative promotes sustainable practices to reduce harmful synthetic fiber pollution.

  • By advocating for sustainable fashion, I help protect marine ecosystems by minimizing environmental damage and supporting responsible resource use.

  • The Ellen MacArthur Foundation warns that by 2050, the fashion industry could contribute more plastic to the oceans than fish, while the UN reports that 20% of global wastewater comes from fabric dyeing, harming marine life with toxic runoff.

Intended Audience

I’ve always loved Iris van Herpen’s unique and artistic style. Her designs inspired me to create a collection that not only looks amazing but also raises awareness about sustainability. I wanted to use eye-catching fashion to get people thinking about how we can make a positive impact on the environment.

  • Age range: 18-35 yo

    Gender: primarily female, though my designs could appeal to all genders focused on fashion and sustainability.

    Income level: middle/high

    • has an interest in following celebrities or events (eg. Met Gala)

    • Values environmental sustainability

  • Wants to find a unique design for more formal events that also expresses their values.