The Intersection Between Fashion, Climate Change, and Human Rights: EMA's Interview with Activist Aishwarya Sharma
Remember when brands made things that last? While the international fashion industry grows exponentially, garment usage is decreasing. What does that mean? Producers offer Consumers options that are affordable but don't last and pressure them to buy new styles instead of fixing or re-wearing them. According to Earth Org., "Humans discard 92 million tons of clothes-related waste yearly."
Fast fashion is also a human rights crisis, with many large brands relying on underpaid and protected labor and operating in countries without solid pollution laws. Thankfully, there are people like sustainable fashion advocate Aishwarya Sharma who use their tremendous platforms to raise awareness around solutions.
We spoke with Aishwarya to learn more about her critical work.
What inspired you to pursue environmental activism?
Being a young Indian girl and coming from a South Asian background, I have seen ground realities up close—inequality towards women, social injustices, societal stigma, menstruation taboos & many more. I have seen land around where I live converted into factories & industries which was once green. Not only that, it severely impacted our communities, but the rapid shift towards urbanization affected everyone at large. Today, India ranks amongst the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change. Rich & developed countries have had a significant role in determining this current predicament. With untimely rains, record-breaking rises in temperature & longer winters, our people suffer the most while contributing the least to this global crisis. My inclination towards environmental & fashion activism grew because of the suffering around me. To be able to tell stories of my community and my people is what drives me to do this every day.
What's the connection between climate change and the fashion industry?
For decades, people saw fashion as frivolous, but it's now evident that it significantly contributes to climate change. Fashion generates 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, ranking second only to aviation and fossil fuels. By 2050, experts estimate that the industry will consume a quarter of the world's carbon budget. Despite societal perceptions, the numbers don't lie. The industry harms the planet, endangers lives, and lacks proper accountability.
The fashion industry significantly harms the environment, contributing to climate change through resource consumption and emissions. It's responsible for 8-10% of global emissions, surpassing aviation and shipping combined. Estimates predict Global clothing sales to increase by 65% by 2030. Raw materials, especially cotton and synthetic fabrics like polyester, have a significant impact, using vast amounts of land and oil. Production processes, like dyeing, use 43 million tonnes of chemicals annually. Water consumption is also a pressing concern.
How will climate action in the fashion industry improve women's rights?
The Climate Crisis is a feminist issue. It is not gender-neutral & disproportionately affects women & children. Approximately 80% of workers in the garment industry are women. Garment factories purposefully target female employees, exploiting cultural stereotypes that portray women as submissive and adaptable. This deliberate discrimination exacerbates the industry's negative consequences. 80% of the 1,129 people killed in the disastrous Rana Plaza factory collapse were women, alongside many young girls. This is a real threat to women's safety in countries where labor laws allow the exploitation and ultimate death of thousands of women.
Demanding more transparency, labor rights & fair pay will ultimately give these women more power & say in their workplace. Additionally, being paid adequately & more will also reflect in their economic and social well-being.
Can you share any wins/good news regarding sustainable fashion?
A few days ago, France announced a scheme that will subsidize repairs to clothing & shoes to cut waste & planet-heating pollution from the textile industry. Ganni became the first known brand to sign a buyer code of conduct to Victoria's Secret, paying the much overdue wage theft to the garment workers, making it one of the largest single-factory settlements of a wage theft case by a brand, and thus, a tremendous victory. PUMA launched Voices of a Re:generation', an initiative giving a platform to young voices to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by the brand in the area of sustainability while making recommendations for actionable change. Every day that a consumer in any part of the world chooses not to buy fast fashion is a win for all.
Do you have any advice for young people who want to get involved in climate activism?
To follow & always remember your purpose for getting involved in climate activism. Though the result for all of us lies in saving our planet, the ways for all of us could look different; that truly is our collective power.
What are you working on, and how can our readers support you?
I am currently working with many marginalized organizations & non-profits and people who need the support now more than ever. Be it a young girl’s right to attend school or access safe drinking water in many underdeveloped countries to ensure brands globally adopt a greener model. I have recently been appointed as PUMA’s Global Voice of a Re:Generation and look forward to my role in exploring and finding ways to make PUMA more sustainable, which is so exciting and new. As a digital creator & activist trying to change and challenge the old out-of-touch systems, I think the most important thing online users can do is support people like me and help us fight the good fight. We could always use meaningful collaborations, opportunities, and genuine community support.
Learn about Aishwarya's latest partnership with PUMA's sustainability program.