Fashion Industry and Climate Change

97% of scientists agree that human activity is the reason for our changing climate. Apart from the obvious polluting factors, there are a few things that people don’t really consider when talking about the climate issues. What is something that most humans have in abundance and continue to shop for that could secretly be contributing to the climate issues? Our clothes. People love to buy clothes, but usually don’t want to pay very much. Eventually these consumer habits will come for a price anyway.

Every year, every season, and sometimes even every three to five weeks, stores line their shelves with the newest fashion trends. From cheetah print, to band t-shirts, to flared blue jeans, styles come in and out, and people love keeping up with the current trends. Keeping up with trends means wearing items for a small amount of time, and with growing affordability, people buy more and more. To meet these demands, we must begin producing at massive scales, and this typically comes with large amounts of waste and pollution. An article in the Nature Climate Change journal agrees saying, “Textile production in one of the most polluting industries, producing 1.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2E) per year, which is more emissions that international flight and maritime shipping.” (2018) In other words, the fashion industry produces more waste and emissions than people realize. Small daily things we do, like shopping, can add up to having a bigger impact on the planet than things like taking a flight here and there. People can still take their vacations, but perhaps shopping at Forever 21 once a month isn’t the best for anyone.

What are some things businesses can do?

Companies can start recycling or using recycled plastics to make trendy clothes. Recycling reduces emissions and takes less energy than simply producing new. (p) Although some brands, like Patagonia, are already using recycled plastic to produce clothing, it simply isn’t geared towards everyone. Someone looking to keep up with fashion trends isn’t running towards the Patagonia store to buy a new pullover every year. More people are concerned with bigger brands like Nike, Adidas, and Vans, that sell clothing at a much more affordable price. Brands that sell high volumes of clothing like those mentioned, could be making a huge impact. Recycling may cost a little more, but it could have bigger payoffs in the end.

What can we do personally?

Make smarter decisions about what we are purchasing. Pay a little bit extra for high-quality staples that will last much longer. Don’t shop at stores that are mainly concerned with keeping up with trends and selling them at the lowest possible price. Perhaps there is a reason the clothing is priced so low. Samantha Wheeler explains this well, “By companies sourcing organic and sustainable fabrics consumers can reduce their carbon footprint with more durable long-lasting products. As for us as consumers, we need to be aware of what makes up the item we are purchasing, and take care of the item so we can assure to use the product to its full potential.”

Source:

The price of fast fashion. (2018). Nature Climate Change, 8(1), 1–1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-017-0058-9

Wheeler, Samantha. (2020). Creating more Sustainability in the Fashion Industry. Medium. https://medium.com/over-consumption-of-limited-resources-in-the/creating-more-sustainability-in-the-fashion-industry-f6e7362a43