8 Ways Fashion CEOs Are Solving the Industry's Pressing Problem

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One company is known for its cult sneakers. Another owns the industry's most coveted luxury labels. Two other brands can respond to trends at dizzyingly quick speeds. Nike, Kering, H&M, and ASOS all occupy different corners of the industry, but their CEOs have come together to agree on one important thing: the pressing need to address sustainability and fashion's enormous effect on climate change.

They join the top brass from other companies, including Target and PVH Corp., in participating in the CEO Agenda 2019, which outlines eight specific priorities for fashion leaders. Organized by the nonprofit Global Fashion Agenda, the agenda asserts that addressing sustainability is a "business imperative" and not just a passing trend. "Currently total greenhouse gas emissions from textile production amount to 1.2 billion tonnes annually, according to new research from UNFCCC," Global Fashion Agenda explained in a press release. "This is more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined."

The agreement details four priorities for companies to focus on: promote supply-chain traceability; combat climate change; use water, energy, and chemicals efficiently; and establish respectful and secure work environments. The four other priorities are a bit more long-term: utilize sustainable materials, achieve a circular fashion system, promote better wage systems, and embrace a new kind of industrial revolution brought on by technology. Intrigued? Head over to the Global Fashion Agenda's website for an in-depth look at the issues.

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Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.