SUSTAINABILITY IN STYLE: FASHION REVOLUTION WEEK 2023 INSPIRES ETHICAL CHOICES
By Srishti Sharma
With Earth Day approaching on April 22 2023, the world will once again be reminded of the need to protect and preserve the planet for our future generations. The fashion industry is amongst the most polluting industries in the world, responsible for large amounts of waste, carbon emissions, and water usage. In addition to the environmental impact, the industry also has a significant impact on the lives of the people who make our clothes. Fashion Revolution Week (FRW) aims to bring attention to this impact and promote sustainable practices within the industry.
Founded by British fashion designer, Carry Somers and Italy based designer and author, Orsola de Castro, in the wake of the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, FRW happens every year in the week coinciding with 24th April, the anniversary of the disaster. This year’s Fashion Revolution Week is particularly important, as it takes place from April 22nd to April 29th, just ahead of Earth Day on April 30th. The global movement has grown to become the world’s largest fashion activism movement, mobilising citizens, brands and policymakers through research, education and advocacy.
During the week, people are encouraged to ask brands and retailers #WhoMadeMyClothes? This simple question is a powerful way to raise awareness and encourage companies to be more transparent about their supply chains. By asking this question, we can demand that brands take responsibility for the impact of their actions and work to improve the conditions for workers in their supply chains. In addition to promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry, FRW will also encourage consumers to make more conscious choices when it comes to their own wardrobe. This could mean investing in high-quality, versatile pieces that will last for years, upcycling or repurposing old clothing, or supporting ethical and sustainable brands.
With participation from 75+ teams from across the globe, multiple events and interesting campaigns are to take place throughout the week. For instance, Fashion Revolution Canada has come up with the #FRCUpcyclingChallenge, where students were asked to transform existing / thrifted items into a new piece of clothing (sharing before and after images). Fashion Revolution Week Italy , meanwhile features multiple events including the FashRev_Mrktthe, the annual event of Fashion Revolution Italia, an urban market where brands are gathered together because of their values and principals of ethical production. For details of all the activations happening around the world, visit: https://www.fashionrevolution.org/about/find-your-country/.
Through this week-long event, we can all take steps towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry. By promoting transparency, ethical practices, and conscious consumerism, we can work towards a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.
How can YOU be a part of this revolution and make a difference?
Share on social media: Share your support for Fashion Revolution Week on social media and encourage others to join in. Use the hashtag #WhoMadeMyClothes to help spread the message.
Attend an event: Look for local events or online webinars hosted by Fashion Revolution or other organizations working on sustainable fashion. These events can help you learn more about the impact of the fashion industry and how you can make a difference.
Take the Fashion Revolution Pledge: The Fashion Revolution Pledge is a commitment to being more mindful and responsible with your clothing choices. By taking the pledge, you can commit to buying secondhand, supporting ethical brands, and being more conscious of the impact of your clothing choices.
Shop from ethical brands: Look for brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices. By supporting these brands, you can help create demand for more responsible fashion practices.
Repurpose or upcycle clothing: Instead of buying new clothing, consider repurposing or upcycling items you already have. This can help reduce waste and give new life to items that might otherwise be thrown away.
The most important aspect of this initiative is to create awareness, challenging everyone to rethink how each component of the fashion industry can be responsible for the impact fashion has on our environment.