For many of us, fashion and clothing are an important part of life. The fast fashion industry has conditioned us to constantly feel the need to reinvent our style, follow new trends and buy new clothes. And constantly changing trends and cheap prices have boosted the production of clothing to massive levels. On the other hand, climate change and sustainability are becoming increasingly important issues, as mass movements such as “Fridays for Future” show. The fast fashion industry is also reacting to these social changes and is trying to win buyers with green labels. But is this making any difference or is fast fashion still one of the dirtiest industries in the world? We took a closer look at the various stages in the fashion production cycles to get to the truth about the environmental impact of fast fashion – focused on: OVER-CONSUMPTION HIGH USAGE OF RAW MATERIAL WATER POLLUTION GARBAGE In our conclusion we’ll also outline a few suggestions for a more sustainable approach towards fashion.

Sources: Ellen Macarthur Foundation. (2017). A New Textiles Economy. & EEA Europa. (2016). “Luft und schiffsverkehr im Fokus”.

3. WATER POLLUTION Water pollution due to microplastics (during use) But it is not only the production of chemical fibers that is harmful to the environment. Another problem of synthetic materials is that they are very difficult (or often impossible) to biodegrade. This has serious consequences for oceans and inland waters. The fashion industry is responsible for 35 % of the microplastics in the sea and is the main source of microplastics in the oceans. When polyester clothing is washed, tiny fibers are detached, which then end up as microplastics in the wastewater and consequently also in the rivers and oceans of the world. Since microplastics are not biodegradable, it becomes dangerous especially for animals. But microplastics are also increasingly problematic for humans. As long as animals absorb microplastics through their food, microplastics will also get into our food-system and thus into our bodies.

Source: IUCN. (2017). Primary Microplastics in the ocean.

Water pollution due to chemicals (due to production) The fashion industry is also responsible for polluting fresh water with chemicals because the chemicals that are used to dye textiles, end up in rivers as wastewater without any kind of filtering or recycling, especially in developing countries. The reason for this is that filter systems, which are designed to stop the chemicals, are often not used by production facilities in developing countries in order to save costs (often forced cost savings, as global fashion chains demand ridiculously low prices from their suppliers). Since many factories depend on their powerful customers, they have to take illegal risks, exploit nature and their work-force. It goes without saying that these chemicals can also be life-threatening for animals, plants, and local communities. Source: IntechOpen. (2017): Challenges and treatment of microplastics in water.

TIPS

But what can you do to prevent or at least reduce the impact your fashion consumption has on the environment? Here are 7 suggestions to help you shop more sustainably. And more details on sustainable fashion habits can also be found here in one of our former blog posts.

Buy less

Check your wardrobe to see how many garments are in there that you hardly wear. If, like most people, there are plenty of items you don’t wear then try to appreciate your old clothes again instead of following the latest trends.

Buy used

When going on a shopping spree, it is also worth visiting second-hand shops, flea markets or vintage online marketplaces. Here you often find great pieces that deserve a second chance. Not only that, you can often find higher-quality clothes that you couldn’t otherwise afford.

Quality over quantity

If you want something completely new, you should invest in good quality and timeless classics so that your clothes last longer. Fair Fashion brands are especially suitable as their collections are typically better made and last longer than fast fashion (or even designer) products, as well as being ethically produced.

Cotton instead of polyester

When buying your clothes, pay attention to the fabric. One rule of thumb here: cotton is better than polyester! Cotton clothing is usually more environmentally-friendly as cotton is biodegradable. Cotton garments are also softer on your skin.

Fair Fashion instead of branded clothing

Fair Fashion often seems expensive compared to clothing from cheap chains. But if you compare their prices with global brands, prices are often similar. So, it is better to invest in sustainable clothing than in branded items, which are often produced in the same questionable conditions as clothing from fast fashion giants.

Wash less

Sometimes it is enough to air-out clothes or partially remove stains before putting them in the washing machine. Also, only wash when the machine is full and use bio detergent which does not pollute the waste water with chemicals.

Repair

Don’t throw your clothes away immediately if they are broken, you can repair many defects yourself. But if you don’t have the time or the skills, you can also take your clothes to your local tailor who should be able to repair most defects for a reasonable price.