(Source: Freedom and Safety)
Global warming has become a pivotal aspect of our time. From constant shifts of extreme weather patterns to rising sea levels, the unprecedented impacts of climate change are rapidly happening on a global scale. One of the biggest contributors to this damage is fashion. In fact, it is currently the world's second-largest polluter after the oil industry, and the damage caused will only continue to increase as the industry grows.
According to the Pulse of the Fashion Industry Report, the fashion industry is responsible for releasing 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide back in 2015. The production of raw materials for our garments accounts for two-thirds of the detrimental changes to our planet. In 2014, polyester- a synthetic fiber commonly used to churn out clothes- alone released 655 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This is an outstanding 40% of the overall fashion industry pollution. Figures from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found 3,781 liters of water were used to make a single pair of jeans, which translates to the carbon equivalent emission of about 33.4 kilograms. Bear in mind, this is for just one pair of jeans. We haven’t even considered the other apparels in our wardrobe!
(Source: The New Daily)
Annually, the fashion industry utilizes 93 billion cubic meters of water — sufficient to fulfill five million people’s consumption needs. Roughly 20% of wastewater worldwide comes from the dyeing and treatment of fabrics. 87% of the total fiber material used for clothing is either incinerated or disposed of to landfills. Hence, it isn’t surprising to hear that the fashion industry comprises a total of 10% of yearly global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. It has been predicted that if we were to continue the pace, greenhouse gas emissions from the industry will skyrocket more than 50% by 2030.
Does this mean it’s over for us and Mother Earth? Well, fret not because there's still time for change! With the rise of climate change movements around the world and younger millennials striving to spread awareness, today’s consumers are smarter as well as more mindfully aware of their expenditure when it comes to outfits, and brands are starting to notice that too. To paint a picture, multinational sports corporations like Adidas and Nike have pledged to go eco-friendly during their manufacturing process. Major fashion house Gucci has recently unleashed its first sustainable collection created by Alessandro Michele, called ‘Gucci Off The Grid’. The designs were derived from recycled, organic, bio-based and sustainably-sourced resources.
(Source: Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong)
However, it’s one thing to post a statement on Facebook than it is to actually see these companies fulfill their promises with our own eyes. The lack of transparency from big brands can sometimes seem like empty vows or accurately, a marketing ploy plastered to entice the customers and keep the cash flow going.
Fashion brands definitely should be doing more than spooning us with these fancy words that most customers are probably clueless about. Firstly, they should be forthright with their supply chain so that consumers will know where their textiles come from or who are making their products. But should we put all the blame on companies when we, consumers, are actively buying their items? Know that whenever we buy from brands that don’t promote sustainable practices, we are basically willing enablers by sending them a message that we support the way they do business.
(Source: fun! japan)
So, next time when you’re out shopping for clothes, ask yourself- how many articles of clothing will you wear over your lifetime and what will be their combined impact on the world?