McArthur voices support for circular fashion

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has voiced his support for the adoption of circular fashion to help combat human and environmental exploitation in the global clothing industry and increase the value of local textiles production.

ZeroWaste Scotland revealed last year that textiles accounted for a startling 32% of Scotland's carbon impact despite only contributing towards just 4% of waste by weight. Globally, the United Nations estimates that the fashion industry contributes 2.1 billion tonnes of global greenhouse gas emissions which is comparable to the annual GHG emissions of France, Germany and the United Kingdom combined. It is also estimated that 85% of textiles end up in landfill or are incinerated.

Speaking ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament recognising circular fashion, Orkney's MSP has praised the work of local fashion designer, Kirsteen Stewart, for her efforts to minimise textile waste and extend the life cycle of clothes. Kirsteen's sustainable approach gained national recognition as she was shortlisted for Women's Enterprise Scotland's collaboration champion award last year for her work with a number of charities and local businesses to transform donated fabrics into unique new designs, often reflecting Orkney's heritage and landscape.

Mr McArthur will be sporting a ‘pre-loved’ shirt and tie purchased from a local charity shop when he chairs the members debate this afternoon, led by Stephanie Callaghan MSP.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"While every material that is wasted comes at a cost to our planet, it is clear that textiles are having a particularly damaging impact. Yet we all have the power to make a lasting difference by closing the loop on the unsustainable cycle of clothes production.

"I would like to pay tribute to Kirsteen Stewart who has led the way with innovative textile designs and demonstrating ways to extend the life of our clothes. Through her fantastic collaboration with a number of local charities and businesses, Kirsteen has shown that second-hand doesn't mean second-class.

"Cutting down on 'fast fashion' by mending our gladrags and shopping locally will help achieve our climate change goals and build a more circular economy for the future."