Sustainable Fashion: Importance of History and Earth Systems Knowledge

This discussion post explores the critical role of history and Earth's systems in shaping the future of sustainable fashion. The post emphasizes the need for systems thinking, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Earth's spheres (lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere) and the impact of human actions on these systems. Drawing on the provided coursework, including Margaret Robertson's "Sustainability, Principles and Practice," the author argues that understanding the historical context of sustainability is essential for addressing current environmental challenges in the fashion industry. The discussion touches upon the environmental impact of clothing production, water pollution, and the need for a revolution in how fashion is perceived and consumed. The author concludes that sustainable fashion requires a holistic approach that integrates knowledge of history and Earth's systems to mitigate negative environmental outcomes and promote responsible practices within the industry. The post also includes a visual representation of sustainable fashion forms, further supporting the arguments presented.

Running head:
Sustainable Fashion
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Author Note

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Sustainable fashion has been very significant in the recent times, as it is very important to
be able to address changes, in order to achieve sustainability and the way in which fashion and
clothing are consumed and disposed by people. The increasing awareness about lifestyle and
choices are related to the environmental outcomes, climate change and pollution. There has been
increase about consumption and choices about clothing because of animal products. There has
been activism across the globe which concern such practices to increase awareness among
People and bring into practice sustainable fashion.
The impact of production of clothes are immense, on the environment, which is why, it is
important to pay attention to the way fashion commodities are produced. The activism of
sustainable fashion concerns a revolution which is to be brought in the way fashion is perceived
(Henninger, Alevizou & Oates, 2016. The process of producing clothes cost a havoc to the
environment, as it leads to water pollution, pesticides, harmful dyes, which mix with the soil and
seeps into the ground water. These practices raises ample questions related to sustainability. The
sustainability involves reinvention of the process, in which the future does not get compromised
in order to meet the demands, desires and trends of the present. Sustainability can only be
brought along with environmental, social and economic changes.
It is very important to be system thinkers as the systems on Earth are interrelated to make
everything cohesive. Every system has its own functioning and changes in one sphere may affect
another. System thinking is very important to be able to understand the impacts which are caused
due to a process and the changes and initiatives which are necessary to lessen the harm which is
caused due to it. The knowledge about the four spheres enables one to understand the
relationship which is shared within the system (Robertson, 2017). If system thinking is practiced
in order to reduce the impacts, then only sustainable development can be brought, as problems

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cannot be addressed singularly or in isolation. Earth is an unified whole which comprises of four
spheres, Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and the conjunction of the three results in
Biosphere, in which life thrives. It is important to strike a balance among the four and thus
environmental impacts are very important to be regulated.
Image: Seven forms of Sustainable Fashion
(Source: Greenstrategy.se, 2020)
History and sustainability are related as sustainable development can only be successful if
social, economic and environmental aspects can be addressed together. It is important to acquire

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knowledge about history and the system in order to ensure cohesiveness and inclusion.
Knowledge of history enables to connect political, economic, social and intellectual history to
achieve sustainability (Robertson, 2017). With the knowledge, it can be understood how human
actions have affected nature and have been affected by nature. The knowledge about past and
present will help to address and negate the negative outcomes which might arise in future, as a
result of human actions. Future changes can be regulated and monitored to achieve sustainable
development, and thus sustainable fashion too.
It can thus be concluded by saying that sustainable fashion, which is an emerging trend in
the fashion industry, is a revolution to change how demands are created and met, which give rise
to immense negative impacts on the system of the Earth. Sustainable fashion, is thus, very
important to address the issues, with the help of system thinking and knowledge of history.

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References
Greenstrategy.se. (2020). SEVEN FORMS OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION. Retrieved 21 March
2020, from https://www.greenstrategy.se/sustainable-fashion/seven-forms-of-sustainable-
fashion/
Henninger, C. E., Alevizou, P. J., & Oates, C. J. (2016). What is sustainable fashion?. Journal of
Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal.
Robertson, M. (2017). Sustainability principles and practice. Taylor & Francis.