Fashion, a word that holds unique significance for each individual. It serves as a means of self-expression for some, while others perceive it as a vehicle to showcase their status. However, in recent times, fashion has become closely associated with the detrimental effects it inflicts upon our Earth and environment. Our incessant pursuit of new clothing and insatiable thirst for more have left an indelible mark, one that is far from beautiful. 

I urge Textile Ministry to consider the introduction of a Unified Sustainability Tag (UST) for all clothing sold in India. Presently, every brand promotes its products in diverse ways, leaving customers without a standardized method to comprehend the sustainability aspects of the clothing they purchase.

Allow me to present some eye-opening facts,

• Producing a single cotton T-shirt requires a staggering 2,720 liters of water, equivalent to the amount of water an individual drinks over three years.
• Three out of five fashion items end up in landfills, with 60% of these clothes made from plastic materials. This alarming situation exacerbates the landfill crisis, as these garments persist for ages.
• Every time we wash our clothes, tons of microplastics are released into our water systems, posing a significant ecological threat.
• Shockingly, 93% of fashion brands surveyed by the fashion checker fail to provide suitable living conditions for their factory workers. In some cases, garment workers endure grueling shifts lasting up to 48 hours without food or bathroom breaks. Is it worth filling our wardrobes at such a cost?

If these issues persist unchecked, the fashion industry will collapse, and regrettably, so will our Earth. However, the remarkable aspect of this problem is that the solutions lie within our grasp. As consumers, we possess the power to drive systemic change. My proposal to the Government of India, specifically the Ministry of Textiles, is to establish a standardized tag template that all fashion brands in India must adopt. This tag will enable brands to transparently share information about the raw materials used, packaging, shipping, ethical practices and water consumption etc., and then assign a sustainability rating to each garment, providing crucial information about the materials used and other details that empower consumers to make informed choices.

While this may seem like a small step, you may wonder how it will truly address the issue at hand. By incorporating these tags, people will become more conscious of sustainability in fashion, considering the sustainability of each garment before adding it to their wardrobes. When we begin making such choices, companies will naturally shift towards sustainable clothing production, fostering a revolutionary change within the industry.

So, let's embrace this opportunity to make a lasting impact. Let's educate, advocate, and inspire change. Together, we can reshape the fashion industry, protect our planet, and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. Your support is important and I request your signature today.