The truth will always be revealed!
A scoring system that aims toward measuring how sustainable clothing is, has hit the interweb at no charge, and will allow companies to rate their apparel using a three-part scoring system.
The Higg Index was developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and is readily available on apparelcoalition.org to test the environmental performance of their clothes.
A version for footwear has not been produced, but it’s currently in the making.
Here’s how the three-part system works:
• A brand module that zeros in on details such as how goods are designed and whether or not product life cycle, transportation and the use of restricted substances are taken into account.
• A product module that looks at the sustainability of fabrics, how much waste is left on the cutting-room floor, what finishes are used and so on.
• A facilities module that examines areas such as how factories deal with wastewater and how much energy is consumed.
H&M, Adidas, Gap, Nike, and JCPenney have already used the method, and we’re certainly wondering how they scored.
Executive director of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Jason Kibbey said:
“This looks holistically and tries to make a judgment of the whole impact of the product rather than just go with the trend of the day. Apparel and footwear is a $1 trillion industry. That is going to make a significant impact [on the environment], so no matter how green we are today or how green we’ll be tomorrow, the fact is that it will still be an industry that will be really big and will have an impact.”
The Higg Index would definitely make a breakthrough in the fashion world for consumers, because it would mean that the retailers will make better quality clothing, and shoppers wouldn’t have to buy new outfits all the time.
Unfortunately for the fashion brands, the index could cause decline in sales because buyers would most likely purchase less clothing. Oh yeah and
We think the concept is fantastic, but not everyone will come out winning!
What do U think?!?
[Image courtesy of H&M.]
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