I have always been passionate about pursing a career in the fashion industry. However, after discovering the impacts that the industry has on the environment, specifically fast fashion, I became interested in studying sustainability. I was moved by the True Cost documentary, which exposed me to the negative effects that companies such as H&M have on the environment, but became inspired by the improvements they made through their “Close the Loop” campaign. As I hope to pursue a career in fashion, within a traditional organization, I would like to make a difference by ensuring these organizations strive towards greater sustainability.
Additional Information
Personal definition of sustainability:
Sustainability, to me, is about using current resources responsibly to satisfy present needs, while ensuring that the ability to meet future needs is not threatened. It means operating as a community as all actions have interconnected consequences. Organizations must eliminate their self-interests in order to ensure they are promoting environmentally friendly practices. “There is no business to be done on a dead planet”, a quote from David Brower, perfectly highlights the significance of sustainability. To me, this mean that operating in such manner, is no longer just a unique competitive advantage for a company, however necessary for companies to survive.
Sustainability in Action:
I am passionate about pursuing a career in the fashion & retail industry within a traditional organization. However, there is a huge sustainability issue as fashion and textiles are the second most polluting industry in the world. The industry is in need of innovators to lead the change towards solving these environmental and ethical issues, and I aspire to be apart of this change. By working firsthand in a merchandising role, I would hope to have the opportunity to make a difference by improving business models and changing consumer-buying behaviour. There must be a change for consumers to buy higher quality products, purchase only the essential and recycle what is not needed. I was inspired by the initiatives taken from companies such as H&M, who has created their “Close the Loop” campaign. It is very important to me that fashion continues to provide value to consumers and that businesses are able to profit from it, while reducing its negative environmental impact. I aspire to help continue these changes within large fashion organizations and bring greater sustainability within the industry.
Engagement in Sustainability:
My interest in marketing and making a difference were able to merge together as a result of my involvement with Western’s Students Offering Support. I was fascinated by the impact the organization had on many, from the students at Western to those in developing countries. My role, as Director of Marketing, allowed me to motivate the marketing team to translate their passion for the organization into meaningful work, while providing quantifiable results to these communities.
I have also volunteered abroad on an aid trip in South Africa, working at a crèche and practicing active wildlife conservation. At the crèche we worked towards helping improve the living conditions of the students by providing security, shelter and food to local children. At the game park reserve, we helped protect and preserve endangered animals through tracking and monitoring their behaviours.
This past summer I have been involved in many fundraising initiatives of Tight-Knit Syria, an organization dedicated towards rebuilding the lives of Syrian refugees through sustainable fashion. They offer many quality handmade pieces knitted by women displaced the by crisis in Syria. This is an area where I plan to continue further involving myself as it aligns with my interests in sustainable fashion.
Sarah Rifai
