Greta Jimenez
The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, second only to the oil industry. It is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, with the fast fashion model being a significant contributor to this. The industry also uses vast quantities of water, with textile dyeing being the world's second-largest polluter of water. The production and distribution of crops, fibres, and garments used in fashion contribute to various forms of environmental pollution, including water, air, and soil degradation. The use of synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which take hundreds of years to biodegrade, is a major source of water contamination and microplastic pollution in the ocean. The fashion industry also impacts the health of workers and consumers due to the heavy use of chemicals in the production process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbon emissions | 10% of global emissions |
| Water usage | 215 trillion litres of water per year |
| Water pollution | 20% of industrial wastewater pollution |
| Waste | 85% of textiles go to landfill |
| Chemicals | Use of chemicals in cotton farming causes health issues for farmers and consumers |
| Synthetic fibres | 64% of global fibre production in 2020 |
| Overproduction | Global fibre production expected to reach 147 million tonnes in 2030 |
| Environmental degradation | Soil degradation, deforestation, water degradation, and air pollution |
| Human rights | Infringements on workers' rights and human rights |
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What You'll Learn
The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter of water
The industry's heavy use of water has severe environmental consequences. It takes about 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt, and 2,000 gallons to produce a pair of jeans. This has led to the drying up of water sources and the pollution of rivers and streams. The fashion industry's rapid growth has resulted in the overproduction of fashion items, with people buying 60% more garments in 2014 than in 2000 but keeping them for half as long.
The use of synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, is another major contributor to water pollution. These plastic-based textiles take hundreds of years to biodegrade and have a significant impact on the environment throughout their life cycle. The washing of synthetic products releases microplastics into the ocean, which accumulate to form massive amounts of pollution.
The fashion industry's water pollution also stems from the use of fertilizers and pesticides in cotton production, which heavily pollutes runoff waters and evaporation waters. Additionally, the industry's manufacturing and use of apparel contribute to water pollution, as untreated toxic wastewaters from textile factories are dumped directly into rivers. These waters contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, which are harmful to both aquatic life and human health.
The environmental impact of the fashion industry extends beyond water pollution. It is a significant driver of greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and air pollution. The rapid growth of fast fashion, with its mass production and low prices, has led to the excessive consumption and disposal of clothing, resulting in vast amounts of textile waste. The industry's production and distribution of crops, fibres, and garments contribute to land use and ecosystem degradation.
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Textile dyeing is the world's second-largest water polluter
The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer industry of water, requiring about 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans. Textile dyeing is a major contributor to this, being the world's second-largest water polluter. The water left over from the dyeing process is often dumped into ditches, streams, or rivers, resulting in highly polluted discharge.
The fashion industry produces 20% of the world's wastewater, with textile manufacturers using large amounts of water. This wastewater contains toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, which are extremely harmful to aquatic life and the health of people living nearby. The contamination also reaches the sea and eventually spreads globally.
The use of fertilizers for cotton production is another major source of water contamination, heavily polluting runoff waters and evaporation waters. The heavy use of chemicals in cotton farming causes massive freshwater and ocean water pollution and soil degradation. Over 1900 chemicals have been identified in textile production processes, and the literature covers various forms of water footprints, including water alkalinity and eutrophication footprints.
The fashion industry's carbon emissions are also significant, contributing 8-10% of global emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. This is due to the energy used during production, manufacturing, and transportation, with synthetic fibres being much more energy-intensive to produce than natural fibres.
The industry also dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams, with 85% of textiles going to dumps each year. Even washing clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfibres into the ocean annually, contributing to the growing issue of microplastics in our oceans.
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Synthetic fibres contribute to microplastic pollution
The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, and synthetic fibres are a major contributor to this. Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are made from fossil fuels, and their production is energy-intensive. This production process is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants.
The use of synthetic fibres in clothing has led to an increase in microplastic pollution. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that do not biodegrade and can be released into the environment during the production and washing of synthetic textiles. The mechanical and chemical stresses that synthetic fabrics undergo during the washing process cause the release of microplastics, which are then discharged into the ocean through sewage. This has been identified as the main source of primary microplastics in the oceans, with an estimated 35% of all microplastics in the ocean coming from laundering synthetic textiles.
The production processes of synthetic fibres can also increase the release of microfibres, especially when abrasive friction is applied during manufacturing. In addition, the use of certain detergents and fabric softeners can increase microfibre release during washing. Fast fashion, where garments are used for a short time and replaced frequently, contributes to high levels of microfibre release as new clothes tend to shed more microfibres during the first few washes.
Microplastics from synthetic textiles have been found in marine ecosystems worldwide, including in fish and shellfish intended for human consumption. These microplastics can have negative effects on ecosystems, animals, and people. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibres ingested by zooplankton have been linked to increased mortality rates.
To reduce microfibre pollution, alternative production processes and textile construction methods can be employed to minimise microfibre release during use. Detergent manufacturers can also develop liquid detergents that are effective at low temperatures and do not increase friction, thereby reducing fibre breakage. By addressing these issues, we can work towards minimising the impact of synthetic fibres on microplastic pollution.
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Greenhouse gas emissions from synthetic fibres
The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, and the production of synthetic fibres is a major contributor to this. Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are made from petroleum and gas, which are fossil fuels. The production of these synthetic fibres is an energy-intensive process, requiring up to 125 MJ/kg of fibre, and it produces high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the production of 1 kg of polyester fibres consumes around 97.4 MJ of energy and emits 2.31 kg of CO2, 19.4 g of NOx, 18.2 g of carbon monoxide, and 39.5 g of CH emissions into the air.
The popularity of synthetic materials has grown in recent decades due to their versatility and low cost of production. However, the environmental cost of producing these synthetic materials is significant. The combustion of petroleum releases polluting emissions such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Additionally, the washing of synthetic materials can release hundreds of thousands of individual microfibres into the water, which eventually make their way into waterways and oceans. These microfibres can be ingested by small organisms, introducing plastic into the food chain and disrupting ecosystems.
Furthermore, the fashion industry's heavy reliance on synthetic fibres has led to an increase in the use of crude oil. It is estimated that about 1% of crude oil production is used to produce synthetic fibres. This contributes to the industry's overall carbon emissions, which account for between 5% and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The energy used during the production, manufacturing, and transportation of garments is a major source of these emissions.
To address the environmental impact of synthetic fibres, some companies have designed washing bags that catch the microfibres shed from synthetic materials. Additionally, there is a growing movement towards "slow fashion", which advocates for a more sustainable approach to manufacturing that respects people, the environment, and animals. This includes designing and investing in business models that reuse clothes and maximise their useful life.
While the fashion industry's reliance on synthetic fibres has contributed to the emission of greenhouse gases, it is important to note that natural fibres also have environmental impacts. The production of natural fibres, such as cotton, can lead to massive water and soil pollution due to the heavy use of chemicals in farming. Additionally, natural fibres may require more water during production compared to synthetic fibres.
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Environmental degradation from industrialisation
The fashion industry has a significant impact on environmental degradation, particularly through its industrial practices. The production and distribution of crops, fibres, and garments used in fashion contribute to various forms of pollution, including water, air, and soil degradation.
Water pollution is a significant issue in the fashion industry. The industry is the second-greatest polluter of local freshwater in the world, contributing to about 20% of industrial water pollution. The dyeing and finishing processes are major contributors, as the water used often ends up in ditches, streams, or rivers, polluting them with toxic chemicals and dyes. This water pollution has severe consequences for aquatic life and the health of people living nearby.
The fashion industry is also a significant contributor to air pollution. The production and manufacturing processes release greenhouse gases, with the industry emitting approximately 10% of global carbon emissions. The use of synthetic fibres, such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon, made from fossil fuels, further intensifies the industry's carbon footprint. Additionally, the burning of unsold clothing contributes to air pollution.
Soil degradation is another concern, with the heavy use of chemicals in cotton farming leading to soil contamination. The overgrazing of pastures for cashmere goats and sheep raised for their wool also contributes to soil degradation. Furthermore, the fashion industry contributes to deforestation, particularly with the use of wood-based fibres like rayon, threatening ecosystems and indigenous communities.
The impact of the fashion industry on the environment is further exacerbated by the rapid growth of fast fashion, which promotes mass production, low prices, and high sales volumes. This leads to the overproduction of fashion items, many of which end up in landfills, contributing to waste and pollution. The use of synthetic fibres in fast fashion also has significant environmental consequences, as they take hundreds of years to biodegrade and contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans.
The environmental degradation caused by the fashion industry has led to growing awareness and calls for change. Initiatives such as the Detox campaign by Greenpeace and the Alliance for Sustainable Fashion by the UN aim to address the industry's harmful practices. There is also a growing movement towards slow fashion, which advocates for more sustainable business models and practices that respect people, the environment, and animals.
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Frequently asked questions
The fashion industry is a significant driver of pollution, particularly through the use of synthetic fibres, the agriculture pollution of fashion crops, and the proliferation of microfibers across global water sources. The production and distribution of crops, fibres, and garments used in fashion all contribute to environmental pollution, including water, air, and soil degradation.
The three main drivers of the industry's global pollution are dyeing and finishing (36%), yarn preparation (28%), and fibre production (15%). The dyeing process uses enough water to fill 2 million Olympic-sized swimming pools each year, and this wastewater is often dumped into natural water sources, polluting them.
The environmental impact of the fashion industry includes the depletion of non-renewable sources, emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of water and energy. The industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide. It also contributes to soil degradation and the destruction of ecosystems and indigenous communities through deforestation.
