Green is the New Black: Exploring How a Philosophical Approach to the Fashion Industry Will Reduce Its Environmental Impact

Author

Darion A. Gibbs, CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeFollow

Date of Award

Fall 12-16-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

B.A. with honors

Honors Designation

yes

Program of Study

Philosophy

Language

English

First Advisor

Elizabeth Edenberg

Abstract

The fashion industry is the third largest contributor to pollution globally, behind only oil and agriculture. It also accounts for one-fifth of the plastic produced annually. Despite its impact, it is hard to trace accountability. For example, mega-retailers often outsource production to developing countries, without strong structures of accountability for their environmental impact. In addition, companies often claim to be environmentally sustainable, but it is easy to inflate the truth, and entities designed to protect consumers have limited enforcement. In this context, who should be held responsible for the fashion industry’s contribution to climate change?

In response, this thesis delves into the environmental repercussions of the fashion industry through the prism of global distributive justice. The objective is to establish mechanisms for holding the industry accountable for its climate change contributions. The research confronts these challenges by leveraging the frameworks of international and domestic environmental justice, and applying philosophical perspectives to the unique context of the fashion industry. The investigation aims to unravel how the fashion sector evolved into one of the planet's major polluters and seeks the most equitable means of instigating transformative change.

Recommended Citation

Gibbs, Darion A., "Green is the New Black: Exploring How a Philosophical Approach to the Fashion Industry Will Reduce Its Environmental Impact" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/196