The Link Between H&M, Zara, and Environmental Destruction in Brazil
Fast fashion giants H&M and Zara have recently come under scrutiny for their sourcing practices in Brazil, with a report by the environmental group Earthsight revealing disturbing connections to environmental destruction in the country. The report, titled “Fashion Crimes,” highlighted how these companies have been using cotton from farms associated with massive deforestation, land-grabbing, corruption, and violence in Brazil, particularly in the fragile Cerrado savanna region.
The Cerrado savanna is known as the most biodiverse savanna on Earth, but it has been rapidly disappearing due to the expansion of Brazil’s agribusiness industry. Earthsight’s investigation used satellite images, court rulings, shipment records, and undercover research to uncover the sourcing practices of H&M and Zara. The report found that the cotton used by these companies was farmed in the Cerrado by two major agribusiness firms, SLC Agricola and the Horita Group, both of which have been embroiled in controversies related to environmental damage and human rights violations.
Implications of Using “Tainted Cotton”
The report by Earthsight revealed that despite the unethical practices associated with the production of cotton in the Cerrado, the cotton had been labeled as ethical by the Better Cotton certification scheme. This discrepancy exposed significant flaws in the oversight program of the certification scheme, raising questions about the credibility of ethical sourcing claims made by major fashion brands like H&M and Zara.
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The cotton sourced from the farms in question was exported to Asian clothing manufacturers, some of whom are clients of H&M and Zara. This raises concerns about the indirect contribution of these fast fashion brands to environmental destruction and human rights abuses in regions where their raw materials are sourced. The supply chain transparency and accountability of these companies come into question, as they must take responsibility for the impact of their sourcing decisions on fragile ecosystems and local communities.
Response from Stakeholders
In response to the report, Better Cotton conducted an independent audit to investigate the issues raised by Earthsight. Both Zara’s parent company, Inditex, and H&M expressed seriousness towards the allegations and called for the release of the auditors’ findings by Better Cotton. The Brazilian Cotton Producers’ Association (ABRAPA) also issued a statement condemning practices that undermine environmental conservation, violate human rights, or harm local communities.
It is essential for companies like H&M and Zara to engage in transparent and ethical sourcing practices to ensure that their supply chains do not contribute to environmental destruction and human rights violations. Consumers play a crucial role in holding these companies accountable by demanding transparency, sustainability, and ethical standards in the fashion industry.
The Urgency of Sustainable Fashion
The case of H&M and Zara’s connection to environmental destruction in Brazil underscores the urgent need for a shift towards sustainable fashion practices. The fast fashion industry’s reliance on cheap and unsustainable sourcing practices has significant implications for the environment, biodiversity, and local communities in regions where raw materials are extracted.
Consumers can make a difference by supporting brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, transparency, and sustainability in their operations. Choosing quality over quantity, investing in timeless pieces, and supporting brands that follow sustainable practices can help reduce the demand for fast fashion and promote a more responsible fashion industry.
The report linking H&M and Zara to environmental destruction in Brazil serves as a wake-up call for the fashion industry to prioritize ethical sourcing, environmental conservation, and social responsibility. It highlights the interconnectedness of global supply chains and the impact of consumer choices on the environment and communities worldwide. By advocating for sustainable fashion and holding brands accountable for their sourcing practices, we can work towards a more sustainable and ethical future for the fashion industry.
Links to additional Resources:
1. Earthsight 2. H&M 3. Zara.Related Wikipedia Articles
Topics: H&M (fashion retailer), Zara (fashion retailer), Cerrado (savanna)H&M
H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, also known as H&M Group, is a multinational clothing company based in Sweden that focuses on fast-fashion clothing. As of 23 June 2022, H&M Group operated in 75 geographical markets with 4,801 stores under the various company brands, with 107,375 full-time equivalent positions.H&M...
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Zara (retailer)
ZARA (Spanish: [ˈθaɾa]) is a Spanish multinational fast-fashion company. It sells clothing, accessories, beauty products and perfumes. The head office is located at Arteixo in the province of A Coruña, Galicia. It is the largest constituent company of the Inditex group. In 2020, it was launching over twenty new product...
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Cerrado
The Cerrado (Portuguese pronunciation: [seˈʁadu]) is a vast ecoregion of tropical savanna in eastern Brazil, being present in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Maranhão, Piauí, Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná and the Federal District. The core areas of the Cerrado biome are the...
Read more: Cerrado
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