Slow Fashion Blog

Environment Day: Is It One Day or Should It Be Every Day?

A Brief History of World Environment Day

World Environment Day was established in 1972 following the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first major international meeting on environmental issues. The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/2994 (XXVII), declaring June 5th as a global day of awareness and action for the environment.

“The General Assembly designates 5th June as World Environment Day… to deepen environmental awareness and to encourage political attention and action.”

UN Resolution A/RES/2994 (XXVII), 1972

Since then, the day has evolved into the largest global platform for environmental outreach, celebrated in over 150 countries through events, campaigns, and policy discussions. Each year focuses on a different theme, from biodiversity to plastic pollution to climate resilience.

This day is about reminding ourselves and the next generation that will take over about the importance of this day, but it’s also about making every day an environmental day. It’s also about being responsible for our consumption, from daily food to electronic devices and clothes.

Delegates gather for the opening of the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, June 1972 (Image © Yutaka Nagata/ United Nations)

Fashion’s Growing Environmental Impact

The fashion industry is no longer just about seasonal trends and style,it has become one of the most environmentally damaging industries on the planet. In the age of fast fashion, clothing production has doubled in the last 15 years, while garments are often worn only seven to ten times before being discarded. This aggressive overproduction and overconsumption have led to profound environmental consequences that are still intensifying.

Currently, the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global CO₂ emissions, more than the combined emissions of international flights and maritime shipping. Its impact on water scarcity is equally alarming. To produce just one cotton T-shirt, approximately 2,700 liters of water are used, the equivalent of what one person drinks in 2.5 years. Moreover, around 35% of microplastics released into the oceans come from synthetic textiles, further polluting fragile marine ecosystems.

Environmental damage is deeply intertwined with human suffering. Across many global supply chains, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation remain widespread. What’s even more concerning is that these numbers are not declining; they are rising exponentially, making it clear that urgent action is needed.

One promising response to this crisis is the slow fashion movement, a concept introduced by author and activist Kate Fletcher. Slow fashion encourages the thoughtful design, production, and consumption of clothing, placing environmental and social sustainability at its core. It promotes values such as durability, ethical labor, and mindful shopping habits.

Environmental consciousness plays a central role in slow fashion, encouraging consumers to reflect on the true cost of their clothing. Encouragingly, surveys from organizations like McKinsey, ThredUp, and the Global Fashion Agenda reveal that over 60% of Gen Z and Millennial consumers say they consider the environmental impact of their purchases. However, only a small fraction consistently shops sustainably, often due to price barriers, lack of access, limited awareness, or confusion caused by greenwashing.

This is where education and advocacy become critical. Slow fashion aligns perfectly with the mission of World Environment Day; to raise awareness, inspire change, and protect our planet for future generations. Now more than ever, we need to shift from fast fashion habits to a “one wardrobe” mindset; choosing fewer, better garments, and embracing a lifestyle that reflects care for the Earth and respect for the people who make our clothes.

The future of fashion doesn’t have to cost the planet. With awareness, responsibility, and collective action, we can dress for the world we want; not the one we’re trying to repair.

Only One Earth, One Wardrobe at a Time

‘Only One Earth, One Wardrobe at a Time’ is more than a slogan, it’s a reminder that our daily choices, even the clothes we wear, have a lasting impact on the planet. Since the first World Environment Day in 1973, the message ‘Only One Earth’ has become even more urgent. In the face of climate change, resource depletion, and rising textile waste, embracing slow fashion is a quiet but powerful act of environmental consciousness. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in; one that values durability over disposability, ethics over excess, and care over consumption. By choosing to buy less, wear longer, and support ethical brands, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also help shape a more sustainable and fair fashion system. We may have endless fashion choices, but we have only one Earth; and it’s time we dress like it.

This World Environment Day, ask yourself:
Do my clothes reflect the future I want to live in? And what action should I take?

Call to Action

World Environment Day is a powerful reminder that every action counts and as conscious fashion lovers, we can turn our wardrobes into tools for change. This June 5th, start by repairing or upcycling a piece you already own, giving it new life instead of sending it to the landfill. You can also join or organize a clothing swap to promote reuse and community sharing. Choosing to support ethical brands and local artisans not only uplifts sustainable practices but also honors the hands behind our clothes. Take time to learn about garment workers’ rights and the realities of the fashion supply chain, because true sustainability is also social justice. Don’t underestimate your voice either, raising awareness on social media can inspire others to reflect and act. Fashion can either contribute to environmental harm or become part of the solution. This World Environment Day, let’s choose the latter—guided by the values of the slow fashion movement and the belief that what we wear truly matters. Together, we can make every day an environment day.

Written in honor of World Environment Day, inspired by the Slow Fashion Movement, and driven by the belief that what we wear matters.