Systems change refers to an intentional transformation of the ways in which a system, such as an organization, industry, society or economy operate. Systems change focuses on the root causes of problems, instead of investing time and resources in temporary fixes that can only treat symptoms. Systems change draws on systems thinking, a recognition that all systems consist of parts which relate to each other and influence the way the whole system behaves across time.(1) This is why any attempt at resolving issues within a system must rely on seeing it as a whole and addressing the underlying values and goals, instead of just “tweaking parameters”.(2) In the current climate emergency, fashion too urgently needs a systems change. It is now clear that the last thirty years of incremental changes in sustainable materials, resource efficiency and recycling did not bring about the desired results.(2,5) All such improvements are lost in a system where the volume of production, consumption, and waste generation constantly escalate.(3) What is therefore needed is a fundamental change in fashion’s current business model that relies on uninhibited growth and results in exploitation of both people and the environment. We need to find new and richer ways of enjoying and giving value to fashion. (1-5)
SYSTEMS CHANGE
