Sustainability is at the heart of discussions during the ongoing 80th session of the United Nations. One notable event was “Fashion’s Role in a Global Circular Economy” held on September 23.
Kerry Bannigan, cofounder of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network, kicked off the gathering. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating that the network connects over 380 members from 139 countries. This shows that even in difficult times, collaboration shines.
Did you know the average American discards more than 81.5 pounds of clothing every year? That’s according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Many of these garments are worn only a handful of times before they end up in the trash. The event focused not just on the problem of waste, but on what the fashion industry and consumers can do to become more proactive about circularity.
Panelists included Samina Virk from Vestiaire Collective, Sarah Teresinski from Redeux Style, and designer Mara Hoffman. They all shared their views on transforming the fashion landscape.
Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, who leads sector engagement for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, raised a crucial point. She said, “There are many companies testing how to implement new circular business models. The challenge is scaling these solutions.” Engaging with policymakers is essential to drive meaningful change.
Hoffman paused her sustainable collection last year, expressing her frustration with the current system. She noted, “We’re grappling with issues of scale and financing.” Hoffman believes clothes must be designed for longevity and emotional connection, encouraging customers to cherish items rather than discard them. She also highlighted the importance of using recyclable and organic materials and implementing buyback programs.
Virk shared insights from Vestiaire Collective, a secondhand luxury fashion platform launched 16 years ago in Paris. One of its missions is to encourage thoughtful purchasing, urging consumers to think about the resale value of their clothes. Vestiaire also bans certain fast-fashion brands because they don’t meet sustainability standards, reminding us that fast fashion contributes to the staggering 92 million tons of textile waste produced each year.
Sarah Teresinski started sewing due to necessity as a single mother. Her company, Redeux Style, promotes upcycling and sustainable choices. She compared fast fashion to fast furniture, noting how quickly items can be discarded. Teresinski encourages small, mindful decisions—like using reusable bags—which can add up to significant impact over time. Her creative hacks for reusing materials resonate well on social media, helping to spread the message of sustainability.
Xhaferi-Salihu concluded by urging the fashion industry to lead the way in discussions about future sustainability. She posed an intriguing question: “What could the fashion industry of the future look like to inspire us to choose more sustainable options?”
For more on the environmental impact of the fashion industry, check out the EPA’s findings here.
The conversation on sustainability in fashion is evolving. With new ideas and a focus on circularity, there’s hope for a more responsible fashion industry that respects both people and the planet.
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Recycled,Sustainability,United Nations
