Read the article about an environmentally-friendly fashion designer called Maria Harries, and then answer the following questions. The fashion industry is one of the world's biggest polluters, so it is not surprising that there is increased interest in the industry taking its share of responsibility for protecting the environment. However, the reality is that we live in a world where there is a strong desire for 'fast fashion' - clothes that are made quickly and sold at low cost. Fast fashion has become popular in recent decades because it means that everyone can wear the most up-to-date styles for little money. This encourages consumers to throw clothes away after only wearing them a few times. Fortunately, some people in the fashion industry are now beginning to take notice. One fashion designer who is trying to make a difference is Maria Harries - the first person ever to receive the 'Champion of Sustainability' award for her work in the area of environmentally-friendly fashion. Maria knows that being kinder to the planet is a work in progress for the industry, particularly when there is little agreement on the exact meaning of environmentally-friendly fashion. However, the award means a great deal to her as she feels that it will inspire other businesses to improve their practices; something she has come to believe is essential. Maria is the first to admit that the environmental impact of her profession had not always been the most important consideration for her. After starting her brand in 2000, it wasn't until 2015, after 15 years in the industry, that she introduced more environmentally-friendly methods into her business, with all that this involved. She knew, for example, that moving to less harmful practices typically means higher manufacturing costs. However, through her work, she had seen first-hand some of the environmental damage caused by the industry. She was upset, for example, by how much water is wasted in the production of traditional cotton, and how some popular materials create plastic pollution. As shocked as she was by all this, it was the desire to create a better world for her son that really encouraged her to make the change. After making the decision, Maria was totally focused on running the business differently, although she was aware of the risks. For a start, people who regularly bought her clothes knew what to expect from the brand, so they may not accept the changes. After all, environmentally-friendly materials are limited, and so she now had to use recycled nylon made from things such as fishing nets to make her famous swimwear, for example. She also had to make changes to pricing because working with different materials makes aspects of design more costly. Although this was good for her creative skills, the increased prices could make her clothes too expensive for some. Maria also admits to a personal dilemma. While she believes that the business is producing clothes in the kindest way possible, she is aware that creating any new product simply adds to the waste, which is in conflict with her environmentally-friendly ambitions. Nevertheless, while she continues with her aim to produce beautiful quality clothing, the principal mission now is to promote a change in the way people think about fashion. To keep clothing in use for longer, she has introduced a 'take-back' programme, which allows customers to return items they no longer wear. This is just one of her small steps towards a better future. As Maria points out, her brand is proof that you can make a start. 1 How does fast fashion cause waste? 2 According to Maria, what will winning the award achieve? 3 When did Maria change the way she runs her company? 4 What finally persuaded Maria to make her business more environmentally friendly? 5 What reactions did Maria think her customers might have to the changes to her business? Give two details. . 6 Why does Maria feel that her business may not be completely environmentally friendly? 7 What is Maria's main business goal? 8 How is Maria's company trying to reduce clothing waste?

Answer:

1.(encourages) consumers (to) throw clothes away (after wearing them only a few times)
2.(inspire other) businesses to improve their practices
3.2015 / after 15 years in industry
4.(the desire) to create a better world for her son
5.Award 1 mark for each detail up to a maximum 2 marks: they may not accept the change increased prices could make her clothes too expensive (for some)
6.creating (any new) product (simply) adds to (the) waste
7.(promote a) change (in) the way people think about fashion
8.take-back programme / customers can return items they no longer wear

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