In the glamourous world of fashion, where trends come and go, there lies a darker reality under the surface- reality of textile waste and carbon emissions. While the appeal of discounts and new collections seem tempting, it is essential to consider impact of our clothing choices on environment.
The Fast Fashion Epidemic
Demand of fast fashion clothing has caused a surge in textile waste and carbon emissions. Here's a glance into statistics:
-Clothing production doubled between 2000-2015, leading to increase in textile consumption.
-Global consumption of textile per year is 62 million tonnes per year, which is estimated to rise to 102 million tonnes by 2030.
-51% of textile produced is Polyester, a synthetic textile which is significantly contributing to carbon emissions.
-Fashion industry is one of the largest polluters worldwide, accounting to 8.1% of global greenhouse gas emission.
-Average consumer buys 1 clothing in every 5.5 days, leading to wardrobe turnover rate which is never experienced in history
-Fashion Industry is expected to grow by 49% between 2016 and 2030, further increasing its environmental impact.
- Textile production generates more greenhouse gases per unit of material than almost any other industry, trailing only behind aluminum production.
-Industry is responsible for 20% of global water waste.
-Fashion Industry account for 35% of all oceanic microplastic pollution, highlighting its role in plastic pollution.
The Invisible Mountain of Unsold Garments
Almost 40% of clothes made each year - 60 billion garments end up unsold. This astonishing statistic shows the scale of overproduction in industry. Despite this , exact number os unsold garments remain covered in mystery, displaying lack of transparency prevalent in industry.
The Urgent Need for Change
As the fashion industry continues to grow unchecked, urgent action is needed to curb its environmental impact:
- Sustainable fashion brands and the acquiring of circular business models offers a hope in reducing textile waste and carbon emissions.
- Organic cotton farming and responsible sourcing of materials are important steps in reducing water wastage and chemical pollution.
- Recycling and upcycling can help divert clothing from landfills and reduce the industry's reliance on new materials.
- Consumer behaviour plays important role in initiating change, with increasing awareness leading to a shift towards sustainable fashion choices.
Conclusion
In the allure of style and affordability, it's easy to fail to see costs of fast fashion. However, as the environmental toll of the fashion industry becomes increasingly apparent, there's a need to rethink our consumption habits. By embracing sustainable fashion and advocating for systemic change within the industry, we can prepare for a more environmentally conscious future.
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