The process followed to bring our clothes into being—from the very first growing of raw materials to all the stages involved in producing it, shipping out as a finished garment, and finally disposing of it when it becomes useless for its intended purpose—explains so much about the impacts of our clothing on the environment. Just any single little step within this entire long process has a significant effect on climate change and environmental degradation.
At a time when global production has rocketed to over 100 billion pieces of clothing produced in a year, it is intriguing and indeed quite disturbing to note that the clothing industry contributes roughly 4% of the total global carbon emissions. This percentage is indeed large enough to be more than the carbon emissions of various small countries like the United States.
Materials and Their Environmental Impact
Most clothing is made from materials such as cotton, synthetic materials like polyester, natural fibers, and leather. About 64% of all clothing is made from synthetic fabrics. Those come from fossil fuels and release carbon emissions when washed, contributing to water systems releasing microplastics. Although natural fibers, such as cotton, can biodegrade, growing it requires a great deal of water and pesticides.
More than 5,000 gallons of water are needed to produce just 2.2 pounds of cotton and contributes considerably to water pollution around the world. Another huge worry is the production of leather: more than 1.4 billion animal skins get processed yearly. Most leather tanning processes rely on chromium, a hazardous chemical that harms workers and pollutes water systems.
Crafting and Water Consumption
The textile manufacturing process aggravates these problems. For instance, the processing of denim requires repeated washing and dyeing involving large amounts of water. Synthetic dyes produced from coal or oil cause water pollution during production. In parallel, cotton cultivation utilizes many resources, partaking in 16% of global pesticide application, polluting water, and destroying nature.
Transportation and Globalization
Clothes manufacturing lies at the end of a long international supply chain. Materials usually travel many miles to be processed, assembled, and shipped. Each step increases transportation emissions, which for some companies—fast-fashion giants especially—account for nearly half of the carbon footprint.
Post-Purchase Impact
The environmental toll doesn't end at purchase. Every time synthetic garments are washed, microplastics and dyes are let out into water systems. Often finding their way into landfills or flooding secondhand markets—especially in developing countries—these items contribute to flooding and the spread of waterborne diseases when they're finally discarded.
A Call to Sustainable Action
The current course of the fashion industry could lead to carbon emissions of 2.7 billion tons of CO2e by 2030. This can only be overcome with systemic change: reducing overproduction, embracing sustainable practices, and rethinking consumption habits.
Sustainable brands like PTCL show the industry how to produce sustainable clothing. Their sustainable denim makes use of less water, renewable energy, and responsible manufacturing practices to prove that fashion can be mindful of the environment.
Doing Something
Only when shoppers and brands cooperate can fashion's impact on the planet be lessened.
Support sustainable brands: Buy from companies that care about ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Buy less: Buy fewer, high-quality products that are designed to last.
Recycle and reuse: Give your clothes a longer life by upcycling them and handing them over.
Support change: Ask the fashion industry for transparency and sustainability.
Clothing is a great way to express yourself, but not at the Earth's expense. So, by using more excellent practices, we can make fashion a force for good, preserving the planet for future generations.
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