Glossary

Circular Economy

The circular economy is an economic model that aims to minimise waste and maximise the use of resources by promoting the reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling of products and materials. It is designed to be regenerative, restorative, and sustainable, creating a closed-loop system where resources are continually cycled back into the economy.

Degrowth 

Degrowth is a social, political, and economic movement that advocates for reducing , shrinking the economy, and redistributing resources to achieve ecological sustainability and social justice. It challenges the notion of continuous economic growth and calls for alternative models that prioritise well-being and environmental stewardship over GDP growth.

Zero Waste

Zero waste is a lifestyle and waste management approach that aims to minimise or eliminate waste generation and landfill disposal.

Sustainability

Sustainability in fashion refers to the production, consumption, and disposal of clothing in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, minimising the impact on people and the planet while ensuring long-term viability.

Deadstock 

Fashion deadstock refers to unsold or unused items of clothing and textiles, typically overproduced by brands or manufacturers, which are often sent to landfill or incinerated.

Overstock

Overstock in fashion refers to excess inventory or surplus items of clothing and accessories that are produced in excess of demand, typically leading to discounts or offloading to outlets or discount stores.

Fast Fashion

Fast fashion refers to the business model of rapidly producing and selling low-cost, trend-based clothing, often using exploitative labour practices and unsustainable production methods, resulting in significant environmental and social impacts.

Slow Fashion

Slow fashion is an alternative to fast fashion, focusing on sustainable and ethical production methods, durable and timeless designs, and fair labour practices. It aims to promote conscious consumption, minimise waste, and prioritise quality, longevity, and environmental and social responsibility.

Climate Crisis

The climate crisis refers to the rapid and severe changes in the Earth's climate system, primarily caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and land-use changes, resulting in rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and other environmental, social, and economic impacts that threaten human well-being and the planet's biodiversity.

Corporate Activism

Corporate activism, also known as corporate social activism, refers to the engagement of businesses in social and political issues beyond their traditional role of generating profit. This may include supporting or opposing specific policies or advocating for social and environmental causes. Corporate activism may involve making public statements, participating in advocacy campaigns, supporting nonprofit organisations, or changing internal policies or practices to align with social or environmental goals.

Retail Activism 

Retail activism refers to the use of consumer power and retail spaces as a platform for social and political activism. It involves the promotion and sale of products that align with certain social or environmental causes, the use of retail spaces for events or campaigns related to social issues, or the adoption of policies or practices that prioritise sustainability, diversity, or ethical standards. Retail activism aims to mobilise consumers, raise awareness, and drive social and environmental change through retail channels.