The fashion industry as we know it, while full of creativity and expression, has become a noteworthy threat to the earth’s environment. The industry has become one of the world’s largest polluters, second only to the oil industry. With trends shifting quicker than ever and online shopping available at your fingertips, the industry becomes more of an environmental issue as it grows. 

Fortunately, there are answers. Meaningful change is possible, but the first step is to become aware of the problems that are created by the fashion industry–and what to do about them. 

Synthetic Fibers

Man-made fibers made clothing more accessible and convenient, but they have a detrimental impact on the planet. Fibers, such as polyester and nylon, contain microplastics that are shed during both washing and wearing. These microfibers enter the water systems of the world, and scientists discovered that small organisms in the oceans ingest these fibers which then travel up the food chain and can end up on your plate. 

Opt for organic materials that are biodegradable. A canvas tote bag, cotton makeup rounds and linen clothing have a far less harmful impact. 

Water Pollution

Garment production results in toxic wastewater, which is left untreated and, unfortunately, dumped into local ecosystems. This wastewater may contain mercury, lead and arsenic, which are not suitable for animal nor human consumption. 

Look carefully into where your garments are produced and only purchase from countries that maintain stricter environmental regulations for factories. As well, choose garments made from local, organic fibers whenever possible. 

Waste

With every new trend comes the fading of another, and many out-of-fashion garments are simply tossed or thrown away despite their being in good condition. In fact, less than 20% of clothing is donated or taken to a proper recycling facility, meaning most of these off-trend pieces end up in landfills. 

Instead of subscribing to quick, easily fading trends, invest in clothing that will live a long life in your closet. When things begin to wear, consider repairing them instead of replacing them, and try to find ways to both donate to and purchase second hand clothes. 

If the idea of buying mostly used clothing is unappealing, reconsider. There are better thrifting websites available than ever, with most requiring a level of quality and inspection of each garment that you won’t always see from generic local thrift shops. 

Toxic Chemicals

Though plastic-based fabrics are a major culprit in the fashion industry, even natural fibers have their drawbacks. Cotton farming typically uses harmful chemicals like pesticides that are proving harmful for both the environment and the farmers themselves. 

Additionally, various chemicals are often used to dye, wash, treat, process and bleach garments, and not all of these chemicals are disposed of properly. 

In addition to washing your clothes prior to wear, make sure to buy from admittedly sustainable brands who source their fabric and dyes from eco friendly origins. Check garment labels for organic and sustainable certifications, like BLUESIGN, OEKO-TEX or GOTS. 

Greenhouse Gases

Because production has reached larger scales, the pollution emitted from garment factories has become considerable–the fashion industry accounts for more than 10% of all total greenhouse gas emissions. Worse still, synthetic fibers use and deplete stores of fossil fuels, requiring more energy to produce and process than other natural fibers. 

Many countries that house the majority of the world’s clothing manufacturing plants have looser restrictions on coal, which is the energy production method that is the worst for carbon emissions. 

While it’s a good move to avoid resource-devouring synthetic fibers, the goal should be a reduction in consumption altogether. The fewer items of clothing you aim to buy, the lower the demand for factory-produced clothes. 

Many countries are equipped with better, more renewable methods of energy production with which to make clothes, but it’s always better to use what you already have, mend what is broken and choose second hand over buying new. Sustainable fashion choices are part of a growing fashion revolution, one that seeks to work toward a future in which clothing is made in a fair, environmentally friendly and safe way.