Economists treat economics as if it is a pure science divorced from the facts of life. The result of this false accountancy is a willful confusion under cover of which industry wreaks its havoc scot-free and ignores the environmental cost.

In this quote, Vivienne Westwood criticizes the way economists treat economics as a detached, pure science that ignores the realities of life and the environmental costs associated with industrial activities. She argues that by focusing solely on economic theory and abstract models, economists fail to take into account the real-world consequences of industrial practices, particularly in terms of environmental harm. Westwood suggests that this narrow view allows industries to operate without fully acknowledging the damage they cause to the environment.

Westwood’s statement highlights the disconnection between economic theory and the practical impacts of industrial operations, especially concerning sustainability and ecological balance. She points out that this false accountancy—the misrepresentation or omission of environmental factors in economic calculations—enables industries to continue their harmful practices without facing the true cost of their actions. By neglecting the environmental impact, these industries avoid taking responsibility for the long-term damage they inflict on the planet.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Westwood's activism and commitment to environmental sustainability. As a prominent fashion designer and environmental advocate, Westwood has long been outspoken about the destructive effects of fast fashion and unsustainable industrial practices on the environment. Her work in both fashion and environmentalism has led her to challenge the way economics and industry operate without proper consideration of their environmental footprint.

Ultimately, Westwood’s quote calls for a more holistic approach to economics, one that incorporates environmental costs and sustainable practices into economic models and decision-making. She advocates for an economic system that values not just profit but also the protection of natural resources and the health of the planet, ensuring that industries are held accountable for their impact on the environment.