The fashion industry’s elephant (or whale) in the room is production volumes. Why? Because all the sustainability initiatives in the world will never compensate for the impact that the exponential growth in fashion production creates.
TWOTHIRDS Joins the Speak Volumes Campaign
That’s why TWOTHIRDS has joined the Speak Volumes campaign. Based in Ghana’s capital Accra, the campaign is supported by the coastal community there that runs the Kantamanto second-hand clothing market, a place inundated with unwanted clothing that mostly comes from European countries. Ever put old clothing in a charity bin? There’s a high probability that this is where it ended up!
On the one hand, this influx of clothing provides an opportunity for local people, many of whom have started their own repair and resale businesses. But despite their industriousness, locals and the ocean habitats they rely on are overwhelmed by a never ending wave of textile waste. (Video courtesy of The Or Foundation)
The below visual from the OEC shows clearly how the western world and its main manufacturing partners (China, for example) externalise their environmental impact by burdening poorer countries in the global south with waste:
Making Brands Commit to Positive Change
The idea of the Speak Volumes campaign is simple: Have brands commit to publishing their production volumes on a yearly basis, take responsibility for their products’ environmental and social impacts, and act to reduce their year-on-year production rates accordingly. We’re proud that TWOTHIRDS is recognised by the Speak Volumes campaign as a brand that is “Committed, Loud & Proud” when it comes to production volume transparency.
Together We Can Stop Harmful Overproduction & End Waste Colonialism
Here at TWOTHIRDS we’ve always been more conscious than most about the hyper consumption driven by fast fashion business models, as well as the waste created by overproduction. Our PRE-ORDER system and Deadstock Limited Edition Collections reduce textile waste at every turn, while also promoting conscious consumerism. On top of all this, our clothes are designed to last a lifetime.
The Campaign Hits Times Square
What’s important to stress is that this isn’t just a small campaign with limited reach. Some big players in the fashion industry are joining the cause, with the campaign being promoted in Times Square! The Speak Volumes billboards are live from 10am - 10pm every day from now September 9th - September 22nd. Just go to the Marriott Marquis hotel and look up, they run every 12 minutes. If you’re in the Big Apple why not check them out!
Which Brands Do You Want To See Speak Volumes?
The great thing about the Speak Volumes campaign is that you, an eco-conscious consumer, can get involved! Simply head to the Speak Volumes website and nominate a brand that you think should make its production volumes public.