Support for sustainability in the textile industry

Today’s sustainability issues are challenging and require a totally different way of thinking. For decades, profit and economic growth were the main goals. Kate Raworth introduced a new way of thinking. To build support for sustainability in the textile industry, you can use the ‘Doughnut Economics’ model. This is an economic model developed by Kate Raworth. The model is based on the idea that the economy should be seen in the context of the planetary limits that sustain it. Moreover, this model creates awareness surrounding sustainability: not only in a general sense, but especially in the textile industry.

The name doughnut alludes to the shape of the model, which resembles a doughnut. The model proposes a framework to create a sustainable economy that meets the needs of all people within the capabilities of the planet. The inner ring of the doughnut represents the minimum level of resources needed to meet people’s basic needs, such as food, water, shelter and healthcare. The outer ring represents the ecological limits of the planet, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The aim of the model is to create an economy that operates within the ‘safe and equitable space’ between these two rings.

The Doughnut Economics model proposes seven key principles to create such an economy:

• Meeting the basic needs of all people;
• Using resources efficiently and effectively;
• Designing for the regenerative and distributive economy;
• Creating a fair and inclusive economy;
• Building local and international economies that make trading possible for all;
• Ensuring that the economy is designed with positive outcomes for people and planet in mind;
• Encouraging participation and collaboration in the economy by all people.

The Doughnut Economics model is a response to the limitations of traditional models and seeks to create a more sustainable and equitable economy that benefits all people and the planet.

How can the Doughnut Economics model contribute to sustainability awareness?

The Doughnut Economics model is an approach that focuses on sustainable development and creating an economy that focuses not only on economic growth, but also on social justice and environmental protection. This model can be used to create sustainability awareness in different ways, for example:

Education
The education system can be used to create awareness about the Doughnut Economics model and how it can be applied in practice to produce sustainable upholstery fabrics, for example. Schools and universities can offer classes on sustainable economics and the importance of social and environmental sustainability.

Media
Through television programmes, documentaries, articles and interviews with experts, people can broaden their knowledge of the concept and the principles behind it.

Government policy
Governments can use the Doughnut Economics model to review and change their policies and legislation. By developing policies aimed at social and environmental sustainability, governments can set an example for companies and individuals and help raise awareness.

Business community
Companies can apply the Doughnut Economics model in their operations and use it as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. By integrating sustainability and social justice into their business models, companies can help raise awareness and bring about change in wider society.

Social movements
Finally, the Doughnut Economics model can be used as a platform for social movements. Through campaigns, petitions and other activities, citizens can put pressure on governments and companies to act more sustainably and contribute to awareness and change.

By integrating the model into education, media, public policy, the business world and social movements, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society.

In short, there are many different ways in which the Doughnut Economics model can be used to create awareness of sustainability in the textile industry.