South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield is backing calls for Scotland’s fashion industry to be more ethically, socially and environmentally conscious to help end the throwaway clothing culture and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Mr Whitfield has signed a motion at Holyrood commending campaign group Fashion Revolution Scotland on its campaign to end human and environmental exploitation in the global fashion industry.

The motion also celebrates the local fashion activists who are helping raise public awareness about the systemic social and environmental challenges facing the global fashion industry, as well as the change that is needed here in Scotland.

Mr Whitfield has also attended an online event organised by the group to discuss exciting projects for a green recovery within Scotland and to explore how Scotland can become a leader in sustainable apparel policy prior to COP26.

Speaking after the event, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Despite some advances over recent years, the global fashion industry continues to have a significant adverse impact on the environment and climate change, as well as a dubious record on human and workers’ rights. 

“Fashion Revolution Scotland is helping to put the spotlight on these issues, raising public awareness and helping to drive change within the industry, and I’m pleased to have backed the motion at Holyrood supporting their work.

“While the fashion industry is very much a global one, there is still much we can do here in Scotland both as policy-makers and consumers to help recognise the social and environmental impact of our clothes and tackle the throwaway culture that has become so ingrained in our society.

“Fashion Revolution Scotland’s Four steps for Net Zero Apparel in Scotland points the way to ensuring that Scotland is meeting its environmental responsibilities in this area, and I believe it’s an important contribution to efforts to build a green recovery within Scotland.”

Find out more at www.fashionrevolution.org/europe/scotland