THE PRESSING NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Abstract

This paper explores the pressing need for legislation that incentivizes the development and implementation of sustainable practices in the global fashion industry. Currently, the laws that most affect the fashion industry fall under the category of intellectual property, specifically the laws of copyright and trademarks. However, intellectual property rights only apply to certain brands, and laws designed to protect laborers and the environment have only minimal effect when applied to the production, marketing, and sale of clothing. This has led to an uncontrolled and unchecked fashion industry that continually ranks as one of the world’s most environmentally harmful—and consistently engages in exploitative labor practices, taking advantage of the lack of enforcement mechanisms on the few laws that do exist. Without taking steps to slow down and mitigate the negative impacts of the rapidly growing fashion industry, the harm will eventually escalate to a point that will be almost impossible to reverse. The implementation of strict and adequately enforceable laws to increase transparency between brands and consumers, and to hold fashion companies accountable for their actions is the only option left. This paper examines the perpetuating problems facing the industry and where the laws fit in to address them.