From Breakingviews: Retailers like H&M are promising to slash their carbon footprint by using more recycled products. That’s good, but real change would come from tackling the throwaway culture that they represent, says aimeedonnellan
LONDON - Rag traders are talking a good game on climate change. Last week, H&M promoted its former head of sustainability to the top job. Helena Helmersson wants the $31 billion Swedish fashion giant to only use 100% recycled material and “sustainable” cotton – meaning fibre that is either organic, recycled or grown in a way that minimises pesticides and water. Such solutions seem ambitious – but could actually exacerbate other types of pollution.
H&M’s pledges should help, but the sector’s real problem is waste. More than half of fast fashion produced is disposed of within a year, according to McKinsey & Company. Despite chains like John Lewis and Inditex-owned Zara launching recycling programmes for unwanted clothes, some 73% of garments still end up burned in incinerators, or in landfill. The latter produces methane, a greenhouse gas that therefore contributes to global warming.
Partly because they can point to a fuzzy circular economy future, few retailers are doing much to help. Spanish clothing giant Inditex, the UK’s Topshop and bargain clothing store Primark – owned by Associated British Foods – have failed to commit to so-called science-based targets, where objectives like meaningful emissions reduction are signed off following credible tyre-kicking. H&M has done so, but its sustainably sourced materials and 2030 recycling pledge raise further questions.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Katie Holmes Tests Out a Groovy New LookKatie Holmes took her polished look in a more retro direction.
Les mer »
OMFG, Christian Siriano Just Served Serious Gown Drama on the RunwayKicking off New York Fashion Week with a lot of drama, Christian Siriano's Fall/Winter 2020 collection was a showcase of heavy-metal glamour from silk, sequin,
Les mer »
Breakingviews - Activist swing at Japan arena puts buyers on deckFrom Breakingviews – Activist swing at Japan arena puts buyers on deck, says jgfarb:
Les mer »
What Fashion Editors Actually Wear During New York Fashion WeekThis New York Fashion Week, ELLE's staffers are getting down with a Copenhagen aesthetic, show-hopping in Little Women nightgowns, and joining the SmartNYFW challenge.
Les mer »
Harlem's Fashion Row Honors Dapper Dan, Misa Hylton and April Walker as Black Pioneers in Fashion'I wanted to remind people to celebrate the impact that African Americans have made in this industry. This event is about not just sharing our history, but celebrating us.'
Les mer »
What Fashion Editors Actually Wear During New York Fashion WeekThis New York Fashion Week, ELLE's staffers are getting down with a Copenhagen aesthetic, show-hopping in Little Women nightgowns, and joining the SmartNYFW challenge.
Les mer »