The sectors of
luxury fashion and hospitality can wield massive influence over their
customers, who in many cases can be fairly influential in their own capacities.
How-ever both these industries rank high as significant contributors to
unsustainable environmental practices.
Integrating
responsible leadership in the sectors of fashion and luxury is crucial to a
world where the use of luxury brands doesn’t come at the cost of our environment.
SUMAS graduate programs in Sustainable Fashion Management and Sustainable
Hospitality Management, offer cutting-edge curriculums aimed at doing just
that:
Miruna Manole is an
MA in Sustainable Luxury Management graduate from SUMAS currently working as a
Non-Financial Analyst at The CSR Agency (Bucharest, Romania)
She’s also achieved
a First Class Degree with Honours in BA Fashion Management & Marketing from
the University for the Creative Arts, UK.
Here, she shares what motivates her towards
positive change, her views on youth lead climate action and how to navigate
things when it feels overwhelming.
Give us a little background on how or why you chose to pursue the
MAM in Sustainable Luxury and what that is for people who aren't familiar with
the field?
While working on my
final major project for my bachelor, I did a lot of research and learned that
the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world.
Given the state of the planet, I realised that I could not create a business
plan that would have a negative impact on the environment, hence I decided to
focus on creating a sustainable business.
This is how I discovered it was a passion of mine, while the real
need for this subject was confirmed by me winning the New Business Award at Graduate
Fashion Week, in London.
I decided to
further my knowledge on the subject and pursue the MAM in Sustainable Luxury at
SUMAS.
As one of my
professors at SUMAS put it, sustainable luxury is luxury that blends ethics and
aesthetics.
Therefore, it is
represented by beautiful, high-quality products that are created without
compromising the health of the people and environment which contribute to their
creation.
Can you tell us a little bit about where you're currently working
and how sustainable luxury plays a role?
I currently have
the role of Non-Financial Analyst at The CSR Agency, a consultancy company that
focuses on sustainability. I work in sustainability reporting, so while the
role is not strictly related to sustainable luxury, the courses I undertook
while studying at SUMAS prepared me for the job, especially ‘Responsible
Management’, where I learned about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and
CSR reporting.
You wouldn't have chosen this field if you didn't have hope for a
positive long term outcome to the environmental crisis. Can you speak to what
it is that gives you motivation and belief in change?
There is a quote by
Barack Obama that really spoke to me when I first read it: “We are the first
generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can
do something about it.” The situation regarding climate change is serious and
we have already started seeing the effects. It’s so serious in fact, that it
has been suggested to use the term ‘climate emergency’.
However, scientists
are telling us we still have time to act in order to make sure the future
generations can enjoy good, healthy lives. I do have hope for a positive long
term outcome, because we can already see people changing habits, companies
responding to increasing pressure from consumers and governments coming
together and collaborating for this cause.
My motivation is
earth. We live on a beautiful planet and I hope we get to enjoy it for as long
as possible.
What are your thoughts on the youth taking leadership on Climate
Action?
I admire my peers
and the younger generations for their determination. The youth is going to be
most affected by the effects of the climate emergency, so I completely
understand their anger, when they see the older generations not acting up fast
enough and, in a way, stealing their chances of a good future life.
Were you involved in the initial or any following #ClimateStrikes
and if so to what degree?
I have been
following Greta Thunberg since the beginning of Fridays for Future and have
attended the Climate Strike whenever possible, while I was living in Geneva.
The turnout was impressive and we can already see that these actions are
bringing positive results, including raising awareness.
What outcomes were you hoping for, specific immediate ones as well
as ongoing ones?
The first result is
raising awareness, which we still need to continue doing. Others include
creating policies aiding the move to a more sustainable version of our society,
regulating some of the largely used products and encouraging the shift towards
alternatives, which can only happen with the support of the authorities.
Do you believe that youth-lead strikes are the most powerful way to
motivate authorities to take notice on this issue?
Considering that
Greta Thunberg started these strikes alone and is now giving speeches at
important events regarding the issue, which comes as a result of millions of
people joining her movement, we cannot deny that they are a powerful way to
motivate authorities. In the end, authorities are there in the interest of
their people and when they forget that, it is no surprise that people feel the
need to remind them of this.
What is your take away advice to anyone who feels the climate crisis
is an insurmountable issue?
My advice is to
start small through individual positive changes. I believe this will inspire
people, which in the end will put more pressure on authorities and companies. I
also suggest reading positive news regarding the issue, which is increasingly
present worldwide.
In the end, if we
all try to lead better lives, no matter if the issue is indeed insurmountable,
we can be satisfied that we have lead our lives being kind to each other and
our home.
And I believe that
is quite an important feeling to have.
If you are interested in studying in the area of sustainable tourism
or sustainable fashion, take a look at some of our available
courses and degrees.
