British Parliament Environmental Audit Committee to Revisit Fast Fashion Sustainability
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- Published: Sunday, 28 April 2024 12:28
The Environmental Audit Committee of the British Parliament is set to revisit its influential inquiry into fast fashion on May 1, focusing on the sustainability of the UK fashion industry. This evidence session marks a significant step in addressing the environmental impacts of the fashion sector, building on the Committee's previous work in this area.
In 2019, the Committee's predecessor released a groundbreaking report titled 'Fixing fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability'. This report called for an end to the era of throwaway fashion and proposed measures such as introducing an extended producer responsibility scheme and rewarding companies that adopt sustainable practices to reduce waste. It quickly became one of the most widely read Select Committee reports in history.
Since the publication of this report, the Committee has conducted multiple evidence sessions to follow up on its recommendations and monitor the progress made by both the industry and the government. However, despite these efforts, several leading fashion retailers have declined the Committee's invitation to provide in-person evidence for this upcoming session, according to a parliament release.
During the session, parliament members are expected to inquire about the environmental impact of UK fashion in the coming years and the progress made by the industry towards sustainability. Witnesses from retailers like H&M and boohoo will likely be questioned about the steps they have taken to reduce their environmental footprint.
Furthermore, members may also explore the impact of reselling platforms on the industry and whether they contribute to increased or decreased consumption of fashion products. This aspect is particularly pertinent considering concerns about overconsumption and its environmental consequences.
Research conducted by the public interest think tank Hot or Cool Institute reveals that the United Kingdom has the fourth-highest carbon footprint from fashion among G20 countries, trailing behind Australia, Japan, and the United States. This underscores the urgent need for action to address the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry and transition towards more sustainable practices.
As the Environmental Audit Committee reconvenes its inquiry, stakeholders across the fashion supply chain are called upon to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative efforts to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future for the UK fashion industry.