THE SDGs
The NYC Fair Trade Coalition is proud to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. Built upon the success of the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015), the 17 SDGs offer a blueprint for international and cross-sectoral efforts to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
A $2.5 trillion-dollar industry, fashion employs over 75 million people worldwide; 80% of these workers are women. Therefore, an ethical and equitable fashion industry can play a role in promoting economic advancement for women across the world.
The fashion industry comprises approximately 3% of the global economy. Unfortunately, many employed in this industry are subject to dangerous working conditions, low wages, and, in the most extreme cases, forced labor. Addressing these issues will work toward creating a more inclusive global economy for these workers, most of whom live in developing countries.
Promoting technological innovations in manufacturing can decrease the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. For example, advancements in recycling allow apparel companies to reduce waste and repurpose these textiles and old garments into new items. Similarly, many brands are making adjustments in their production and finishing processes to reduce water usage.
With the rise of fast fashion in the last few decades, the need to address these waste and production issues is particularly acute. This goal targets fossil fuels, chemical waste, and the integration of environmentally-sound practices into production cycles. While the emphasis is on the responsible use of resources in the production process, the goal also supports the right of consumers to be fully informed about production practices.
Textile production generates more greenhouse gas emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined. What’s more, synthetic textiles such as polyester and nylon are made from crude oil, with nylon requiring twice as much energy as polyester and four times as much energy as cotton to be produced. Reducing the production of synthetic textiles will dramatically decrease the carbon footprint of the global fashion industry.
Textile mills contribute to one-fifth of the world’s industrial water pollution. Once worn by consumers, many of these garments continue to pollute marine ecosystems by shedding microfibers and microplastics during clothes washing. The sustainable fashion movement is promoting textile and laundry innovations, and reduction of chemical use, to reduce the burden of the fashion industry on our water systems.
Some popular fabrics directly contribute to deforestation and soil degradation. Rayon (or viscose), often used as a silk alternative, is made from wood fibers and causes 120 million trees to be cut each year in old growth and endangered forests. The production of cotton, another popular fiber, contributes to soil degradation worldwide. Adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry, or using alternative fibers, like those made from hemp, can help protect our terrestrial ecosystems.
Achieving SDG goals 1 to 16 will require coordination across many actors. Policymakers, scientists, technologists, designers, fashion companies, and workers unions will need to work in conjunction to reduce exploitation and pollution in fashion supply chains. As a grassroots organization, the NYC Fair Trade Coalition is proud to spearhead these efforts toward promoting the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a more equitable, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable fashion industry.
** Statistics courtesy of the United Nations, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the World Bank.
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