The Evolution of the Fashion Industry’s Impact on the Environment
How much do you really know about the fashion industry?
Take a look at the outfit you’re wearing today. Do you know how all of the materials came together to make the shirt you’re wearing on your back? How about the pants you’ve got on? Are you aware of what it takes to produce them? Even your shoes and socks have a story to tell of how they end up on your feet.
It hasn’t always been this way though. The fashion industry has evolved over time, and unfortunately, its detrimental impact on the environment has increased. If you’re curious how the sector has changed for the worse, then you can find out all about it here.
How it Started
Before the Industrial Revolution, fashionable clothing wasn’t as freely available as it is today. Dressmakers needed to source materials such as leather and wool through traders. They then had to prepare them so they could be turned into garments. Due to this process, only the upper class could afford this type of fashion, and therefore the impacts on the environment were minimal.
Meanwhile, the middle and lower class were much more resourceful. If their pants tore, they would stitch them up. When clothes became unwearable, they were repurposed. Nothing was wasted as the alternative would cost too much to replace.
As new technology was introduced, clothing became less expensive to create and could be sold at lower prices. Garments went from being tailor-made to mass-produced, and it allowed people from all walks of life to gain access to fashionable items.
Labels began producing clothing to match the four seasons. Combined with impressionable marketing and extravagant fashion shows, a new disposable culture was born. As demand increased, major labels went from producing clothes for two seasons to 24 seasons. Twice a month, a new clothing series was released, marketed as must-have items, and sold at prices many could afford.
The middle and lower class no longer had to prick themselves with a needle and thread to repurpose their clothing. Items became so cheap to buy that it became easier to get something new instead of wearing the same outfit over and over again.
This increase in consumption of materials, usage of water and energy, as well as the terrible wages of employees, is what began causing severe impacts to society and the climate.
Where We Are Today
Even though some major labels are outlining plans to reduce their impacts on the environment, the high water wastage, pesticides, and dependency on oil in synthetics continue to cause disruptions to the environment.
Clothing waste is also a significant issue. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 17 million tons of clothing end up in landfills, which is double what it was 20 years ago. With many textiles taking over 200 years to decompose, this number is one that many climate experts are concerned about.
The Impacts on the Environment
The World Economic Reform released several alarming statistics about the impact the fashion industry has on the environment. Some of the most concerning ones include:
· Washing clothes releases approximately 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean, which is equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles.
· 60% of garments include polyester, a plastic that releases up to three times more carbon emissions than cotton.
· The fashion industry contributes 10% of carbon emissions released by humans.
· The second-largest consumer of water is the fashion industry.
· Seven hundred gallons of water are required to produce one cotton shirt.
What You Can Do to Help Change Course
Thankfully steps are being taken by clothing labels to move to sustainable materials, but more can be done. One initiative that has started gaining traction is the circular fashion industry. It is a combined effort of changing production practices and consumers looking to get the most out of their garments.
Want to learn more about how you can contribute to the circular fashion industry? Start by subscribing to our newsletter at truebluerevival.com to receive tips, tricks, and advice on how you can play a part in repairing our environment.
