Part of our journey to becoming a more sustainable company; something we have made great strides in but still have very far to go; is looking at the global picture and how we fit in.
A more sustainable world is of course something that concerns us all. But often as companies and as people, we work in silos and do not consider how we should be working together to reach a global goal/s.
That is why we decided to align our operations and strategies with the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development. These 17 global goals aim to improve human life and protect the environment.
Whilst there are 17 goals, all of which are important, we have selected the following to focus on:
- Good health and wellbeing
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry innovation and infrastructure
- Reduced inequality
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
Additionally, we refer to the Fashion Revolution manifesto to keep us on track for our desire for radical, revolutionary change in the fashion industry. Something we hope to continuously be a part of.
The manifesto ultimately expresses everything that we believe in, and as such acts as a guide to ensure we are always doing our best to align with these visions, even if we still have far to go in some instances:
- Fashion provides dignified work, from conception to creation to catwalk. It does not enslave, endanger, exploit, overwork, harass, abuse or discriminate against anyone. Fashion liberates worker and wearer and empowers everyone to stand up for their rights.
- Fashion provides fair and equal pay. It enriches the livelihood of everyone working across the industry, from farm to shop floor. Fashion lifts people out of poverty, creates thriving societies and fulfils aspiration.
- Fashion gives people a voice, making it possible to speak up without fear, join together in unity without repression and negotiate for better conditions at work and across communities.
- Fashion respects culture and heritage. It fosters, celebrates and rewards skills and craftsmanship. It recognises creativity as its strongest asset. Fashion never appropriates without giving due credit or steals without permission. Fashion honours the artisan.
- Fashion stands for solidarity, inclusiveness and democracy, regardless of race, class, gender, age, shape or ability. It champions diversity as crucial for success.
- Fashion conserves and restores the environment. It does not deplete precious resources, degrade our soil, pollute our air and water or harm our health. Fashion protects the welfare of all living things and safeguards our diverse ecosystems.
- Fashion never unnecessarily destroys or discards but mindfully redesigns and recuperates in a circular way. Fashion is repaired, reused, recycled and upcycled. Our wardrobes and landfills do not overflow with clothes that are coveted but not cherished, bought but not kept.
- Fashion is transparent and accountable. Fashion embraces clarity and does not hide behind complexity nor rely upon trade secrets to derive value. Anyone, anywhere can find out how, where, by whom and under what conditions their clothing is made.
- Fashion measures success by more than just sales and profits. Fashion conserves and restores the environment and values people over growth and profit.
- Fashion lives to express, delight, reflect, protest, comfort, commiserate and share. Fashion never subjugates, denigrates, degrades, marginalises or compromises. Fashion celebrates life.
For more information go to Fashion Revolution or Global Goals.