Carbon Emissions
Did you know fashion is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions? That’s more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Textile production, manufacturing, and global distribution requires a significant amount of energy. Worryingly, if left unchecked, the industry could consume 26% of the world’s carbon budget by 2050. It’s never been more important to re-evaluate our buying habits.
Water Use
This may surprise you, but fashion is one of the most water-intensive industries on the planet, using enough water to fill 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Making a pair of jeans typically uses around 2,000 gallons of water (from growing the cotton to processing the fabric). Consequently, each year the fashion industry also generates 20% of global industrial wastewater, largely due to dyeing and finishing processes.
Fast Fashion Waste
Fast fashion has led to over 80 billion garments being made each year. Once bought, it’s estimated that clothes are typically worn seven to ten times before being thrown away. When it’s time to say goodbye to used clothes and textiles, 85% of end up in landfills or incinerators, and only 1% is recycled into new clothing. To give an idea of just how much this is, it’s the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles being thrown away every second. This throwaway culture fuels demand for cheap, fast fashion, exacerbating environmental damage.
Microplastic Ocean Damage
Did you know around 60% of clothing is made from synthetic materials like polyester, which shed microplastics when washed? These tiny fibres flow into oceans, harming marine life and entering the food chain. So much in fact, an estimated 35% of ocean microplastics have come from synthetic textiles.
How Can a More Sustainable Fashion Future Be Built?
Change is possible and there’s plenty we can do as individuals. By buying less, choosing quality over quantity, supporting ethical brands, and embracing second-hand fashion we can make a difference. The good news is, we’re already seeing positive change. Last year, around one-third of apparel and clothing purchased in the U.S. were second-hand.
But this is a shared responsibility. Businesses can invest in sustainable materials, circular design, transparent supply chains and boost their renewable procurement. Innovations like 24/7 carbon-free electricity and biodegradable fabrics are paving the way for more environmentally friendly production methods. With individuals and businesses working together, we can reshape fashion into a force for good.
If you’re interested in learning more about fashion and sustainable living, take a look at the events planned at Climate Week NYC here.