The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry plays a significant role in our economies, boasting a value of over 2.5 trillion $USD and providing employment to over 75 million people globally. This sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades, with clothing production doubling between 2000 and 2014. However, despite purchasing 60% more garments in 2014 compared to 2000, people now tend to keep their clothes for only half as long.
As the fashion industry flourishes, growing awareness has been directed towards its extensive array of detrimental environmental effects. Fashion production alone contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions, depletes water sources, and contaminates rivers and streams. Shockingly, 85% of all textiles end up discarded each year (UNECE, 2018), and the washing of certain clothing items releases substantial quantities of microplastics into the ocean.
Fast fashion also exacts a toll on human lives. Textile workers, predominantly women in developing nations, frequently endure meager wages and grueling hours under deplorable conditions (UNEP, 2018; WRI, 2019). In many instances, these circumstances infringe upon human rights (Human Rights Watch). The use of chemicals in garment production also raises significant health concerns, affecting both industry workers and consumers. Moreover, the pollution mentioned earlier further contributes to health issues.
The environmental and social consequences of the fashion industry necessitate a reevaluation of fast fashion and emphasize the urgency for more sustainable clothing business models and practices. The resources provided below offer additional insights into the environmental impacts of fashion and potential pathways for transformative change.
Plastics in the Textile Industry
The fashion industry underwent a significant transformation after World War II with the introduction of synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon. The global consumption of synthetic fibers skyrocketed from a mere few thousand tons in 1940 to over 60 million tons in 2018. Polyester, in particular, has become the most widely used fiber in textiles since the late 1990s. Presently, an estimated 60% of clothing and 70% of household textiles are made from synthetic fibers.
However, these plastic-based textiles have a substantial environmental and climate impact throughout their life cycle, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and the release of pollutants. The textile sector is now a significant contributor to the climate crisis, as approximately 1% of crude oil production is utilized in the production of synthetic fibers. Additionally, the industry contributes significantly to plastic pollution, with textile-related microplastics accounting for 35% of oceanic microplastic pollution, resulting in an annual input of between 200,000 and 500,000 tons into marine ecosystems.
Addressing the ongoing plastic crisis necessitates attention to the textile sector. Plastic pollution ranks among the foremost environmental challenges of our time, prompting collective efforts from various stakeholders. These efforts include negotiations for an international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, which were initiated following a resolution adopted at the UN Environment Assembly in March 2022.
Introduced during the fourth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4), the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion aims to put an end to the environmentally and socially harmful practices within the fashion industry. The Alliance focuses on enhancing collaboration among UN agencies, analyzing their endeavors to promote sustainable fashion, identifying areas for improvement, and presenting these findings to governments to inspire policy changes. Furthermore, the Forests for Fashion Initiative, led by UNECE, FAO, and partnering organizations, supports the development of innovative solutions in fashion by utilizing sustainable materials sourced from forests. Numerous other international organizations are also engaged in global initiatives to foster a more sustainable fashion industry.
The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action
Unveiled at COP24 in 2021, the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action provides a strategic framework to attain net-zero emissions by 2050 within the textile, clothing, and fashion sectors.
Signatories and Supporting Organizations collaborating under the Charter operate through Working Groups dedicated to identifying and amplifying best practices, strengthening existing initiatives, addressing gaps, facilitating collaboration among relevant stakeholders, pooling resources, and sharing tools to help the industry achieve its climate targets.
World Cotton Day
Cotton, one of the most widely used fabrics in the garment industry, supports the livelihoods of 28.67 million individuals and benefits over 100 million families worldwide (WTO, 2020). Recognizing the vital role of cotton in economic development, international trade, and poverty reduction, the UN General Assembly designated 7th October as World Cotton Day (A/RES/75/318).
During its inaugural edition, the event aims to emphasize the significance of sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work within the cotton sector. Many stakeholders in Geneva actively promote sustainable patterns of production and consumption in the cotton industry (refer to the section below for more details).
Cotton production can have notable environmental impacts due to pesticide use, substantial water consumption, and the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land. Conventional production methods may lead to soil erosion and degradation, water contamination, and various forms of pollution. Thus, supporting sustainable models of cotton production becomes crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
