Watch Thedocumentary Thetrue Cost By Andrew Morgan90minutesread ✓ Solved

Watch the documentary “The True Cost” by Andrew Morgan (90 minutes). Read Chapter 4 of State of the World (2013): Getting to One Earth Living. In your discussion, address the following:

  • Are we, as a planet in “ecological overshoot”? What does the term mean?

  • What are the biggest challenges to sustainability?

  • What are some steps that can be taken in reducing the ecological footprint? Do personal lifestyle choices matter?

  • Which of the 9 planetary boundaries are currently being exceeded by the fashion industry? How?

  • Which of the social foundation boundaries are being exploited? How?

  • What are some possible pathways to sustainability (bounding the fashion industry into the safe operating space for humanity)?

Paper For Above Instructions

The documentary “The True Cost” directed by Andrew Morgan delves into the profound implications of the fashion industry on both ecological and social dimensions. It raises critical questions regarding sustainability, environmental degradation, and social inequities associated with fashion production and consumption. This essay aims to explore the concept of ecological overshoot, the challenges to sustainability, steps to reduce ecological footprints, and the specific impacts of the fashion industry on planetary boundaries.

Understanding Ecological Overshoot

Ecological overshoot occurs when humanity's demand on the Earth's ecosystems surpasses the planet's ability to regenerate those resources. According to the Global Footprint Network (2021), humanity is currently using the equivalent of 1.7 Earths to support its consumption patterns. This overshoot results in biodiversity loss, deforestation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, which lead to climate change. The term emphasizes the unsustainable practices that are prevalent in various industries, including fashion, where rapid production and consumer demand drive resource depletion.

Challenges to Sustainability

The biggest challenges to sustainability in the fashion industry include overconsumption, waste generation, and environmental pollution. The linear “take-make-dispose” model dominates the fashion sector, resulting in an excessive number of garments produced with little regard for longevity or recyclability. Moreover, the fast fashion model encourages consumers to purchase new items frequently, which exacerbates waste issues. A study by Bick et al. (2018) highlights that a staggering 92 million tons of textile waste is generated annually, leading to substantial landfill contributions and environmental degradation.

Steps to Reduce Ecological Footprint

Reducing the ecological footprint requires a multifaceted approach. Individuals can make conscious choices to support sustainable brands that prioritize ethical production practices. Additionally, adopting minimalism—focusing on quality over quantity—can significantly mitigate overconsumption. On a systemic level, the fashion industry can transition towards a circular economy where products are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled, thereby minimizing waste (EMF, 2021). Educating consumers about sustainable practices and the environmental impacts of their fashion choices also plays a vital role in fostering a sustainable future.

Personal Lifestyle Choices

Personal lifestyle choices indeed matter in the context of sustainability. Research shows that individual actions, such as reducing meat consumption, using public transportation, and choosing sustainable fashion, can collectively lead to substantial environmental benefits (Barrett et al., 2020). The documentary emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal choices and broader sustainability goals, highlighting that every small action contributes to the collective effort necessary to combat ecological overshoot and foster a more sustainable future.

Planetary Boundaries and the Fashion Industry

The concept of planetary boundaries identifies nine critical biophysical processes that maintain the stability of Earth’s system. The fashion industry primarily exceeds boundaries related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and land-system change. The production of textiles contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for an estimated 10% of global emissions (Deloitte, 2020). Additionally, cotton production often leads to deforestation and unsustainable land use practices, further pushing planetary boundaries.

Exploitation of Social Boundaries

Social boundaries refer to the fundamental human needs and rights that must be met to ensure social equity and well-being. The fashion industry often exploits boundaries related to labor rights and equitable wages, particularly in developing nations where labor laws are weak or poorly enforced. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (2021), millions of workers in the fashion supply chain endure poor working conditions, low wages, and insufficient rights, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Pathways to Sustainability

To achieve sustainability in the fashion industry, various pathways can be explored. Firstly, implementing strict regulations on environmental and social practices within the supply chain can promote accountability. Brands like Patagonia and Stella McCartney exemplify how sustainability can be integrated into business models while still achieving commercial success. Secondly, increasing consumer awareness and educating the public about the impact of their purchasing behaviors can lead to more responsible consumption patterns. Lastly, fostering innovation in sustainable materials and recycling processes can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of the fashion industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The True Cost” serves as an eye-opener regarding the sustainability challenges presented by the fashion industry. The issues of ecological overshoot, exploitation of social foundations, and the exceeding planetary boundaries highlight the urgent need for change. By adopting sustainable practices and conscious consumerism, individuals and industries alike can move towards a more sustainable future, ultimately ensuring a safe operating space for humanity.

References

  • Barrett, J., Hennig, A., & Rayment, M. (2020). The impact of personal lifestyle choices on ecological footprints. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 84, 106414.

  • Bick, R., Halsey, E., & Ekenga, C. C. (2018). The global clothing industry: The impact of fast fashion on the environment. Helsinki: The University of Helsinki.

  • Deloitte. (2020). The sustainability agenda in fashion: A report on the environment and societal impact of the fashion industry.

  • EMF (2021). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future. Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

  • Global Footprint Network. (2021). National Footprint Accounts 2021. Global Footprint Network.

  • International Labour Organization. (2021). Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage.

  • Rockström, J., & Sukhdev, P. (2016). Sustainable development and planetary boundaries: The importance of fulfilling the 'safe operating space for humanity'. Stockholm Resilience Centre.

  • Steffen, W., Richardson, K., Rockström, J., & Lenton, T. M. (2015). Planetary boundaries: Guiding human development on a changing planet. Science, 347(6223), 1259855.

  • UN Environment Programme. (2021). Fashion and the Sustainable Development Goals: Opportunities for the apparel and textile industry.

  • World Resources Institute. (2019). Creating a sustainable food future: A menu of solutions to feed nearly 10 billion people by 2050.