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In the glimmering world of fashion, there is a side that often remains hidden, concealed behind the shimmering fabrics and breathtaking designs. It's a dark side that many are oblivious to, but its harmful effects cannot be ignored. From environmental degradation to worker exploitation, the fashion industry bears the burden of a hidden cost that leaves a lasting impact on our planet and its people.
Behind the glamorous runway shows and dazzling storefront displays lies a shocking reality that we must confront. As consumers, it's imperative that we become aware of the true cost of our fashion choices. By shedding light on the dark side of fashion, we can make more informed decisions and demand change from the industry.
Join us on a journey as we unveil the shocking statistics and delve deep into the hidden harm caused by fashion. From the carbon footprint of clothing production to the devastating consequences of fast fashion, we will explore the complex web of issues that plague the industry. It's time to face the truth and take collective action to create a more sustainable and ethical future for fashion.
Negative impacts of the fashion industry on the Environment
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, with a significant environmental impact that often goes unnoticed. The production of clothing involves the use of vast amounts of water, energy, and chemicals.
According to the World Bank, the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions.
The fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic metres of water which rounds up to 4% of freshwater globally and is enough to meet the consumption needs of five million people.
The industry is highly greenhouse gas intensive, with estimated emissions of up to 1.2 billion tonnes annually, that is, 8-10% of the global total.
In addition, the textile industry has been identified in recent years as a major contributor to plastic entering the ocean.
More than the US $500 billion in value is lost every year due to under-utilised clothes and lack of recycling, and around 100,000 marine animals are killed each year by plastic waste, including microfibers.
Over a third (35 percent) of all microplastics released into the world's oceans are from synthetic textiles.
Drying up of The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth largest lake and home to 24 species of fish, has been linked to the fashion industry because of 1.47m hectares of cotton being grown with the river water.
As clothing consumption rises, cotton plants are genetically modified to meet demand, using substantial water and chemicals, harming land and health.
The fashion industry uses 10% to 20% of pesticides in the making of garments globally. And in 2020 itself, 62% of fibres produced globally were synthetic.
Polyester, dominant in fast fashion, accounted for 52.2% of global fiber production in 2020. In 2015, its production emitted 706 billion kg of greenhouse gases, akin to 185 coal-fired power plants. Just 14% is presently recycled.
It takes an estimated 2,700 litres of water to produce one cotton t-shirt, which is equivalent to the amount of water an average person drinks in two and a half years.
It takes almost 8000 litres of water – what one person drinks in seven years – to make one pair of jeans.
Textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of water globally, with one garbage truck worth of textiles being landfilled or burned every second. The fashion industry is responsible for generating 20% of the world’s wastewater.
These staggering figures highlight the urgent need for change.
Furthermore, the fashion industry is a major contributor to deforestation. The demand for materials such as cotton and viscose leads to the clearing of forests, destroying precious ecosystems and exacerbating climate change. The use of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, also contributes to environmental degradation, as these materials are derived from non-renewable resources and release microplastics into our waterways when washed.
To address these issues, sustainable practices such as using organic and recycled materials, implementing water and energy conservation measures, and adopting circular economy principles are crucial. By supporting brands that prioritise sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, we can contribute to reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact.
The effects of Fast fashion: The dark side of cheap clothing
Fast fashion has revolutionized the way we consume clothing, offering cheap and trendy garments at a rapid pace. However, behind the allure of affordable fashion lies a dark side characterised by exploitative labor practices and environmental devastation.
The fast fashion model relies on quick turnarounds and low production costs, often at the expense of garment workers in developing countries.
According to the Clean Clothes Campaign, an estimated 75 million people work in the global fashion supply chain, many of whom earn poverty wages and endure unsafe working conditions. This exploitation of labor is fueled by the constant demand for cheap clothing, perpetuated by fast fashion brands.
Moreover, the fast fashion industry promotes a throwaway culture, where garments are discarded after just a few uses.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports one garbage truck of textiles wasted every second worldwide. In the U.S., 11.3 million tons of textile waste are discarded annually, with 2150 clothing items tossed every second.
The rise of fast fashion has led to an increase in clothing production and consumption. It is estimated that the average consumer now buys 60% more items of clothing compared to 2000 but keeps them for half as long, leading to excessive waste.
Over 100 billion garments are manufactured every year, out of which about 90 million tonnes end up in landfills of countries like Africa and Dubai. It’s estimated that by 2050, global clothing sales could more than triple.
The average American tosses out 81 pounds (37 kgs) of clothing every year. That amounts to 26 billion pounds of textiles and clothes ending up in landfills.
The rise of fast fashion has been heavily dependent on synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex, which are made from heavily processed petrochemicals
Nearly 70 million barrels of oil are used each year to make the world’s polyester fibre, which is now the most commonly used fibre in our clothing. But it takes more than 200 years to decompose.
Fast fashion works on the principle of producing more and using less and has created such a system that instead of the traditional two seasons, Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, we now have around 52 micro-seasons a year, which means the stores have something new coming in every week.
Consequently, the world now consumes about 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year. This is 400% more than the amount we used to consume in the 1990s.
Clothing production has approximately doubled in the last decade while clothing use has declined by 40%. Both developments are mainly due to the ‘fast fashion’ phenomenon.
30% of fashion items reach landfills unsold and unused. We are overproducing, over consuming, and over-dumping to the point that an average American tosses out 81 lbs of clothing every year. Now imagine what the number might be global!
22% of items moved at each relocation won’t be used again. Belgians wear the least amount of clothes from their wardrobes – only 12%, followed by Americans at 18%.
While 7.6 kg fibres/person was produced in 1995, that figure rose to 13.8 kg/person in 2018, an 82% increase.
Our consumption has increased, and use has decreased. We are buying carelessly high and using carelessly low.
To combat the harmful effects of fast fashion, embracing a more conscious approach to consumption is essential. Opting for quality over quantity, supporting brands that prioritize fair labor practices, and embracing the concept of slow fashion can help create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Labor exploitation in the fashion industry
Behind every garment we wear, there are hands that have toiled under exploitative conditions. The fashion industry relies heavily on cheap labor, often in developing countries where workers are subjected to long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions
According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 170 million children are engaged in child labor, with many of them working in the fashion supply chain. These children are robbed of their childhoods, forced to work in hazardous environments, and denied access to education.
80% of global garment workers are women, and paid some of the lowest wages. In various cases, they even remain unpaid. They face gender-based discrimination, harassment, and unequal pay.
In Bangladesh, garment makers frequently toil for 100 hours or more a week, only to run out of money before the end of the month.
The Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013, where a garment factory collapsed in Bangladesh, killing over 1,100 people, brought global attention to the dire working conditions faced by garment workers.
To address these labor issues, transparency and accountability within the fashion industry are crucial. Consumers can play a significant role by supporting brands that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights throughout the supply chain. Additionally, advocating for stronger regulations and supporting organizations that empower workers can help create a more equitable and just fashion industry.
Animal cruelty in the fashion industry: Fur, leather, and exotic skins
The fashion industry's demand for animal-based materials, such as fur, leather, and exotic skins, has resulted in widespread animal cruelty and habitat destruction. Millions of animals are subjected to inhumane conditions and killed for their skins, fur, or feathers each year.
The fur industry, in particular, has faced significant backlash due to its cruel practices. Animals such as foxes, minks, and rabbits are kept in tiny cages, often in unsanitary conditions, and are killed in brutal ways. Similarly, the leather industry contributes to animal suffering
FOUR PAWS research estimates that over two billion animals are used in the global fashion industry every year in the wool, fur, and leather industries alone, many of which suffer from poor living conditions, painful physical mutilation practices, chronic stress, and brutal deaths.
Only 38% of the fashion brands consider animal welfare risks to some degree in their supply chains and purchasing practices.
Each year, approximately 100 million animals are killed for their fur, including 30 million minks and 4 million foxes.
Just 25% of fashion brands have formal animal welfare policies in place to help safeguard animals from these risks. And just 9% of those have both an animal welfare policy and meet at least three of five best practice animal welfare principles as set out by FOUR PAWS.
Only 35% of those with an animal welfare policy are tracing at least some of their animal-based materials, with more than half the brands demonstrating zero evidence of knowing anything about the animal-based textiles they source.
Over 1 billion cows are slaughtered annually for leather production. Globally, 80% of leather comes from cows, 10% from pigs, 7% from goats, and 3% from sheep.
The exotic skins industry represents a multi-billion-dollar market, with reptiles like crocodiles and alligators being raised on farms for their skins..
In countries like Australia, where much of the world's wool comes from, over 70 million sheep are subjected to mulesing practices each year.
The psychological impact of fashion on body image and self-esteem
Fashion has a profound impact on our perception of beauty and self-worth. The industry's emphasis on thinness and unattainable beauty standards has contributed to a culture of body shaming and low self-esteem.
The prevalence of digitally altered images in fashion magazines and advertisements perpetuates an idealized and unrealistic image of beauty. This creates a sense of inadequacy among individuals who do not conform to these standards, leading to body dissatisfaction and mental health issues.
Moreover, the fast fashion industry's constant churn of trends and the pressure to keep up with ever-changing styles fuel a culture of comparison and consumerism. This not only affects our self-esteem but also leads to overconsumption and waste.
To promote a healthier relationship with fashion, it's crucial to challenge conventional beauty standards and embrace body positivity. Celebrating diversity in size, shape, and appearance can help foster inclusivity and boost self-esteem. Supporting brands that promote inclusivity and rejecting the notion of disposable trends can also contribute to a more positive and empowering fashion culture.
The Power of Consumer Choices: How to Support Responsible Fashion
Individual choices play a crucial role in shaping the fashion industry. By making informed decisions, you can support sustainable and responsible fashion practices. Whether it's opting for eco-friendly materials, supporting ethical brands, or embracing the concept of slow fashion, your choices matter. Your purchasing power sends a clear message to the fashion world: sustainability is not just a trend but a demand.
Check out our blog on sustainability in fashion here.
The fashion industry stands at a critical crossroads. It's no longer acceptable for fashion to come at the cost of the environment, human rights, and ethical values. A transformation is not just desirable; it's essential. The industry must embrace innovation, transparency, and responsible practices from design to production and consumption.
As consumers, we hold the key to this transformation. By advocating for change, supporting ethical brands, and making conscious choices, we can drive a fashion revolution. It's time for fashion to be synonymous with sustainability, compassion, and responsibility. Together, we can build a future where style meets consciousness, and fashion becomes a force for good in our world.
