FASHION IMPACTS

 Fashion impact on environment

The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact, including:

Greenhouse gas emissions

The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The manufacturing process produces the most greenhouse gases.

Water pollution

• The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution. It also dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams. 

Plastic microfibers

The fashion industry is responsible for 35% of the plastic microfibers released in oceans. Washing synthetic garments releases millions of microfibers into the water, which can be ingested by aquatic organisms and eventually end up in the food chain

Waste

• 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year. The fashion industry also creates a lot of waste during the production and retail phases. 

Carbon emissions from fashion week

The carbon emitted by buyers and designers traveling to attend international fashion shows is equivalent to the energy used to light up the Eiffel Tower for 3,060 years.

The fashion industry's environmental impact is multiplied by the demand for new collections and products, which is driven by "fast fashion". Fast fashion is the sale of cheap, low-quality clothes that are produced quickly and prioritize speed and low costs over environmental and ethical considerations.

To reduce your environmental impact, you can:
 

Buy clothes from sustainable brands

Buy better quality

Think twice before throwing out your clothes

Buy second hand, swap, and rent clothing     

Keep an eye on your washing