The global fashion industry has become one of the most resource-intensive sectors, with massive environmental impacts often overlooked. While many of us love fashion and the joy of new clothes, the reality is that the processes behind most clothing items have severe consequences for our planet. Fast fashion in particular has taken centre stage as a key contributor to climate change, driving greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and unsustainable consumption patterns. The production of that £3 top from Primark may well have an oversized impact on the environment. An ‘externality’ that we will all pay for in the long run.
The Environmental Toll of Fashion
From fabric production to manufacturing, each step of creating our clothes has an environmental impact. For example, the cultivation of cotton, a staple for many garments, uses significant amounts of water and pesticides. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes around 2,700 litres of water to produce the cotton needed for just one t-shirt — enough water to sustain one person for over two years! This is just the beginning. After the cotton is grown, it undergoes energy-intensive processing, dyeing, and treatment, further adding to its environmental footprint.
Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, also carry a heavy toll. Polyester production requires large amounts of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and its manufacturing process emits a high level of greenhouse gases. Shockingly, a polyester shirt has a carbon footprint nearly twice that of a cotton shirt due to the energy used in production. Moreover, when washed, polyester and other synthetic fibres release microplastics, tiny plastic particles that flow into waterways, polluting oceans and harming marine life.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Waste
The fashion industry accounts for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions — more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Most emissions stem from energy-intensive production processes and transportation. Garments are often made in one country, then shipped around the world to be sold in another, adding even more to their carbon footprint.
Waste is another enormous issue. Fast fashion encourages a “throwaway” culture, where clothing is designed to be worn only a few times before being discarded. It’s estimated that nearly 85% of textiles produced each year end up in landfills. Synthetic materials can take hundreds of years to decompose, and when they do, they release harmful greenhouse gases like methane. Meanwhile, discarded garments in landfills leach chemicals and dyes into the soil, further damaging the environment.
Water Pollution and Toxic Chemicals
In addition to its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, the fashion industry is also a significant polluter of water. Many garment factories discharge untreated wastewater filled with toxic dyes, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals directly into rivers and other water sources. This pollution endangers both local ecosystems and communities, with devastating health consequences for those living nearby.
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Consumer Habits
Fast fashion has revolutionised the way we think about clothing. Companies now release new collections every few weeks, encouraging consumers to buy more clothes, more often. This endless cycle drives unsustainable consumption, putting further strain on natural resources and intensifying the climate impact. By constantly churning out cheap, low-quality garments, fast fashion companies fuel a culture of disposability that contributes to environmental degradation.
A Positive Way Forward: Choose Sustainable Fashion
While the current state of high street fashion may paint a troubling picture, there’s good news: we, as consumers, can make a difference by supporting more sustainable fashion practices. Some forward-thinking brands are beginning to embrace a circular economy model. This means they offer recycling options, encourage garment repair, and work to design clothes made to last. Some brands are starting to provide take-back programmes for old clothes, ensuring that materials are reused and recycled instead of ending up in landfills.
Buying second-hand is another fantastic way to reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe. Shopping through platforms like Vinted or visiting local charity shops gives clothes a second life, saving resources and reducing waste. By making small changes in how we shop, we can help reshape the fashion industry, reducing its impact on the planet and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Let’s make our wardrobes part of the solution, one mindful purchase at a time.
