By Mike Abel
In a world where fast fashion, which is responsible for 10% of all the world’s carbon emissions, floods landfills and sharpens social divides, creativity can elevate fashion to become a force for good. By integrating circular economy principles with grassroots action we can tackle two of the world’s most pressing challenges: environmental degradation and social inequality.
Fast fashion, fuelled by rapid consumption and disposable trends, is responsible for a tenth of global carbon emissions, according to the United Nations. It produces more carbon emissions than air travel. How much is this? According to the Carbon Literacy Project that equates to 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions a year.
It also contributes to overflowing landfills around the world, with millions of barely worn garments discarded every year. In the UK alone, 300 000 tons end up in landfills and it is estimated that 95% of that clothing could have been re-used or recycled.
The evidence is overwhelming. Fast fashion is a massive contributor to environmental destruction. It is clear that urgent change is needed.
Creativity as a force for good
Founded in 2014 within the creative halls of M&C Saatchi Abel which is today part of The Up&Up Group, The Street Store has redefined how we think about clothing, consumption, and community. It started as a bold, simple idea: a rent-free, premises-free, free, pop-up clothing store for people experiencing homelessness. The mission? To offer individuals the dignity of choice when selecting clothing, an experience often inaccessible to the most vulnerable members of society.
Anyone, anywhere in the world, can, whenever they want, agree to the pledge and download everything they need to host their own Street Store.
A decade and more than 1 000 Street Stores later, the initiative has touched countless lives across the globe. The Street Store was born as a very good creative idea, and the best ideas can be transformational. By integrating the principles of a circular economy, The Street Store is not just about clothing people, it’s about using its exponential reach to change the system.
It has undergone a bold reimagining. It now encourages people to rethink their relationship with clothing, urging them to donate unused items and adopt sustainable habits. Each donation represents a transformation. A forgotten suit can become someone’s pathway to employment. An unworn dress can be a symbol of hope. The act of giving isn’t just charity, it’s systemic change.
Circular economy in action
It embodies the principles of a circular economy on a global scale. By redirecting clothing from landfills to people in need, it demonstrates how individuals, businesses, and communities can come together to reduce waste and foster equity. The initiative’s open-source model, with easy-to-access resources for hosting pop-up stores, empowers anyone - whether schools, companies, or community groups - to create impact in their own cities.
Just imagine the potential with even greater ripple effects through strategic partnerships with sustainability-focused retailers. Imagine a world where every clothing purchase also supports someone in need, and all through sustainable practices. This is the future we must work toward.
As the Street Store evolves, its message remains clear: fashion can be more than a status symbol. It can be a vehicle for dignity, sustainability, and hope.
We, as people, consumers, and businesses, have the power to drive change. Start a Street Store in your area, rethink your fashion habits, and become part of the solution to the environmental and social challenges we face. Together, we can transform lives—and the planet.
This isn’t just about redefining fashion. It’s proving that innovation at a community level can inspire global systemic change.
Mike Abel is the executive chairman at The Up&Up Group (formerly M&C Saatchi Abel)
BUSINESS REPORT