Meghan Hodges
Fast fashion has a significant environmental impact. It is responsible for the depletion of non-renewable sources, the emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of water and energy. Globally, the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry after the oil and gas sector, contributing to around 8% of carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater. It is also a major consumer of water, requiring about 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans. The industry's problems are often overlooked by consumers, who are enticed by the affordable prices and rapidly changing trends. However, the environmental consequences of fast fashion are severe, and the rise of slow fashion and other sustainable alternatives is gaining traction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global ranking | Second or third most polluting industry |
| Carbon emissions | 8-10% of global carbon emissions (44 trillion litres of water used annually for irrigation) |
| Water usage | 20% of global wastewater (80 billion cubic meters of water used annually) |
| Water pollution | 20% of global industrial water pollution |
| Waste | 92 million tons of waste per year |
| Microplastics | 35% of microplastics in oceans |
| Environmental impact | Depletion of non-renewable sources, emission of greenhouse gases, use of massive amounts of water and energy, land degradation, air pollution |
| Consumer behaviour | Average UK person buys 60% more clothes than 15 years ago, keeps them for half the time |
| Alternatives | Recommerce, slow fashion, recycling, upcycling, mindful purchasing, supporting sustainable brands |
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What You'll Learn
Fast fashion's impact on water quality and water pollution
Fast fashion has a significant impact on water quality and water pollution. The industry is the second-biggest consumer of water, requiring about 700 gallons of water to produce a single cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons to produce a pair of jeans. This has led to the depletion of freshwater sources in countries with already scarce water resources, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
Cotton farming, which is the most common use of natural fiber in the fashion industry, has a significant impact on the global water crisis. Cotton requires large amounts of water for irrigation and treatment, and farmers' use of fertilizers and toxic chemicals severely contaminates water sources and harms ecosystems. The runoffs from agrochemical-contaminated water pollute nearby water sources, posing threats to local biodiversity and human health.
Textile dyeing and finishing processes are also major contributors to water pollution, responsible for over 20% of global industrial water pollution due to the toxic and hazardous chemicals used. The water leftover from the dyeing process is often dumped into ditches, streams, or rivers, and the dyeing and finishing processes are the largest impact on freshwater withdrawal.
The fast fashion industry also contributes to plastic waste and microfiber pollution from the use of synthetic textiles, which contaminate water sources and account for 35% of microplastic pollution in oceans. The fashion industry emits up to 10% of global carbon emissions, dries up water sources, and pollutes rivers and streams.
To address these issues, companies should focus on reducing water consumption and contamination, producing quality garments that stay in style longer, and engaging in circular economy practices such as reusing, sharing, refurbishing, repairing, recycling, and remanufacturing. Consumers can also play a role by reducing their consumption of fast fashion, buying second-hand, or renting clothes.
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The use of synthetic fibres and microplastics
The fast fashion industry heavily relies on synthetic fibres and non-biodegradable materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These materials are favoured for their low cost and rapid production capabilities, but they come with a significant environmental impact. Synthetic fibres are a primary source of microplastics in the ocean, accounting for 35% of all microplastics, according to a 2017 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This issue is exacerbated by the washing of synthetic textiles, which releases microplastics into the water, further contributing to ocean pollution.
The use of synthetic fibres in fast fashion has severe ecological consequences. These materials are slow to degrade, persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. Moreover, when they eventually do break down, they release toxic substances that harm marine life and ecosystems. The high water solubility of these fibres also contributes to water pollution, as the microfibres are released into water bodies during the washing process.
The fashion industry's reliance on synthetic fibres has led to a significant increase in microplastic pollution. Over 60% of fabrics used in fast fashion are synthetic, and with the industry's rapid production and consumption cycles, the amount of microplastics entering the environment is staggering. The issue is further compounded by the use of chemicals in the dyeing and finishing processes, with over 800 chemicals used in garment production, many of which are toxic and have negative effects on soil, water, and human health.
The environmental impact of synthetic fibres in the fast fashion industry extends beyond microplastic pollution. The production and processing of these materials contribute to global carbon emissions, with the industry emitting approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. This accounts for about 8% to 10% of global carbon emissions, more than the aviation and shipping industries combined.
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Environmental impact and degradation
The environmental impact of the fast fashion industry is significant, with the United Nations naming it the second most polluting industry globally, after oil and gas. It contributes to about 8-10% of global carbon emissions, with an anticipated increase to 50% by 2030. The industry is responsible for approximately 92 million tons of waste annually and is the second-biggest consumer of water, using about 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons for a pair of jeans. The water used in the industry is often disposed of in natural water bodies, causing water pollution.
Textile dyeing is the world's second-largest polluter of water, as the leftover water from the dyeing process is often dumped without treatment. The fashion industry's use of synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which account for over 60% of fabrics used in fast fashion, is a major contributor to microplastic pollution in oceans, accounting for 35% of microplastics in the ocean. These synthetic materials also create toxic substances when they degrade, harming marine life and ecosystems.
The production of cotton, which requires a significant amount of water, contributes to water stress in manufacturing countries such as India and China. Cotton production is also responsible for the use of pesticides and herbicides, which have negative effects on the environment and human health. The fashion industry's rapid production and consumption cycles lead to an increase in pre- and post-production waste, with consumers buying more clothes and keeping them for shorter periods.
The environmental impact of the fast fashion industry has led to a rise in alternatives such as recommerce, slow fashion, recycling, upcycling, and supporting sustainable fashion brands. Consumers are also increasingly buying from second-hand sellers, renting clothes, and choosing brands that focus on sustainability and reducing waste.
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Worker exploitation and unsafe working conditions
The fast fashion industry is notorious for its exploitation of workers and unsafe working conditions. The industry relies on cheap labour in developing nations, where labour costs are low and environmental and labour regulations are often lax or non-existent. This dynamic leads to the unethical treatment of workers, who are subjected to unsafe and unhealthy working environments.
In 93% of cases, fast fashion workers' wages do not meet minimum wage requirements. For example, workers at the fast-fashion company SHEIN are paid just 4 cents per item. The industry's rapid production cycles and focus on low prices contribute to this exploitation, as companies seek to maximise profits by minimising labour costs.
The health risks associated with fast fashion production are significant. The use of over 800 chemicals in the dying and cultivating processes alone contributes to unsafe working conditions, particularly for workers in countries with weak or non-existent regulations. These chemicals include heavy metals like lead, chromium, and antimony, which accumulate in ecosystems and enter the food chain, posing risks to wildlife and human health.
The physical working conditions in fast fashion production can also be unsafe. For example, in Bangladesh, factories consume 250-300 litres of water per kilogram of fabric produced, exceeding global benchmarks. This high water consumption can lead to water stress and scarcity, impacting the health and well-being of local communities and workers.
The negative impacts of fast fashion production extend beyond the workers in manufacturing countries. The use of synthetic materials, such as polyester, contributes to the emission of large amounts of carbon and the presence of microplastics in the ocean. These microplastics enter the human food chain, causing negative health consequences for people worldwide.
To address these issues, consumers are increasingly turning to alternatives such as secondhand clothing, renting clothes, and supporting sustainable fashion brands. Governments and industry organisations are also recognising the need for change, with some companies committing to using 100% sustainably sourced materials and reducing inventory through personalised gear. However, more active involvement from governments and a shift in consumer behaviour are necessary to create long-lasting change.
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Solutions: slow fashion, recycling, and upcycling
Fast fashion is responsible for the second-highest level of water pollution globally, with the fashion industry being the second-largest consumer of water. It is also responsible for 10% of global CO2 emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The environmental impact of the industry includes the depletion of non-renewable sources, the emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of water and energy.
Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is a reaction to the environmental impact of fast fashion. It advocates for a reduction in excessive production, simplification of supply chains, and a decrease in mindless consumption. Slow fashion promotes manufacturing that respects people, the environment, and animals. Companies need to design, test, and invest in business models that reuse clothes and maximize their useful life.
Recycling
Recycling is another way to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. However, it is important to note that in recycling, the original material is often downgraded in quality or function, and it may require significant energy and resources to process the material into a new product. Globally, just 12% of the material used for clothing ends up being recycled.
Upcycling
Upcycling is a process that transforms discarded or unused materials into new products with higher value. In the fashion industry, upcycling involves taking pre-existing garments and transforming them into new, fashionable pieces through embellishments, dyeing, or reconstructing garments to create something unique. Upcycling can help reduce the fashion industry's environmental impact by reducing the need for raw materials and preventing clothing from ending up in landfills. It also promotes creativity, self-expression, and individuality, counteracting the homogenization often associated with fast fashion.
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Frequently asked questions
The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry, contributing to 8% of all carbon emissions and 20% of all global wastewater. It is also responsible for the depletion of non-renewable sources, the emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of water and energy.
Recommerce, slow fashion, recycling, upcycling, mindful textile purchasing, and supporting sustainable fashion brands are considered to be the best alternatives to fast fashion.
Dyeing and finishing processes require significant water resources. The dyeing process often involves dumping leftover water into ditches, streams, or rivers. Cotton production also uses 95% of the 44 trillion liters of water used annually for irrigation.
Fast fashion has been linked to a significant increase in pre- and post-production textile waste. The industry is responsible for about 92 million tons of waste per year, with an anticipated 50% increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
