Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Fast Fashion and Sustainability

Is sustainability compatible with fast fashion? Even though fast fashion is based on speedier fashion cycles and adoption of new styles and clothing items, H&M, Zara and their competitors recognise that 'throw away' fashion is not just wasteful, it can contribute to environmental damage.

H&M, based in Sweden, is increasing its focus on sustainability. It has a Chief Sustainability Officer to keep the retailer on track toward green goals. And it issues a sustainability report to demonstrate what it's doing to save the planet and reassure customers of its commitment to the natural environment.

Further, H&M has added clothing made from sustainable materials and, just as important, it actively encourages recycling inside and outside the organisation. Among other initiatives is a fashion collection programme to encourage consumers and designers to make the most of garments by reusing materials, passing garments along for use by others or turning used garments into something else.