The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, with a significant impact on water usage, chemical pollution and waste production. The industry’s reliance on fast fashion, or the rapid production of cheap, trendy clothing, has contributed to this negative effect, as it promotes a disposable culture and encourages overconsumption.
However, there are ways that fashion companies can be more environmentally friendly and reduce their negative impact on the planet. In this article, we will explore the ecological influence of the fashion industry and discuss strategies for becoming more sustainable.
Environmental Impact Caused By Fashion Industry
Water Usage
Water is an essential resource for the fashion industry, as it is used in various stages of the production process, including fabric dyeing, finishing and cleaning. The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter of clean water after agriculture.
Dyeing and finishing processes can release harmful chemicals into water sources, contaminating them and impacting local ecosystems and communities. In addition, the industry’s reliance on cotton, a water-intensive crop, has been one of the causes to scarcity in certain areas.
Chemical Pollution
The fashion industry also contributes to chemical pollution through the use of synthetic materials and the release of harmful chemicals during the production process. Synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, are derived from fossil fuels and do not biodegrade, leading to pollution and waste.
Apart from that, the use of chemicals, which include pesticides and fertilizers, in the production of natural fibers can also have negative impacts on the ecosystem. This includes soil contamination, air and water pollution, and the destruction of wildlife habitats.
Effects On Waste Production
Fast fashion promotes a culture of disposability, with clothing often being worn a few times before being discarded. This has been linked to the increasing amount of textile waste, with the average person throwing away around 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles each year.
Textile waste is a major problem, as it can take hundreds of years to decompose and contributes to pollution. It is estimated that around 85% of textiles discarded in the United States are sent to landfills, and only 15% are recycled or reused.
How Fashion Companies Can Be More Environmentally Friendly
There are several ways that fashion companies can reduce their negative effects on the environment and be more sustainable. These include:
Reduce Water Usage
Fashion brands can reduce their usage of water by using more efficient production processes and investing in water-saving technologies. They can also switch to using natural fibers, like organic cotton and linen, which require less water to grow and process.
Use Eco-Friendly Materials
These companies can also diminish their impact on the environment by using eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo and recycled polyester. These materials are produced with fewer chemicals and have a lower ecological cause.
Implement Sustainable Practices
Adopting sustainable practices, namely using energy-efficient equipment and decreasing their carbon footprint, can also be executed by fashion businesses. They can invest in renewable energy sources, that include solar and wind power. These practices can help reduce their ecological effect and improve the sustainability of their production process.
Promote Sustainable Fashion
They encourage sustainable fashion by promoting the use of second-hand clothing, supporting clothing swaps and repair services and offering rental options. These enable the extension of the life of clothing and reduce waste.
A variety of sustainable fashion companies have been emerging in recent years, providing customers with more eco-friendly options. This can also help to create an awareness of environmental issues and inspire fashion companies to take a more sustainable approach.
The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, with negative consequences for its surroundings. However, there are ways that fashion companies can be more environmentally friendly and reduce their negative impact. By adopting these practices, companies can play a vital role in protecting the planet.
