The oceans are the largest body of water on Earth and cover more than 70 percent of the planet's surface. They play an essential role in regulating our climate, providing habitats for a variety of species, and serving as sources of food and energy. Unfortunately, humans have been dumping waste into these waters for decades without taking into consideration its devastating effects.
The fashion industry is one of the main culprits of ocean pollution. It releases a variety of pollutants such as dyes, synthetic fibers, heavy metals and even microplastics into the environment. These materials break down over time but never completely disappear; instead, they become trapped in the food chain as toxic substances that can cause a range of serious health issues.
The over-harvesting of natural resources, such as cotton, creates further damage to coastal habitats when they are not replanted or protected properly. Finally, many fashion companies are failing to implement responsible practices, such as ensuring their garments don't contain hazardous materials or using sustainable manufacturing processes.
The fashion industry has the power to stop ocean pollution if they take the right measures. They must invest in renewable energy sources, reduce water usage and switch to non-toxic dyes and fabrics. Additionally, manufacturers should promote more recyclable and biodegradable materials to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our oceans. By taking these steps, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy healthy and thriving oceans for many years to come.
What about Fast Fashion?
The fashion industry's pollution has led to a 76% decrease in the worldwide average of freshwater fish populations. The issue is related to a business model in the fashion industry called 'Fast Fashion' that has been developing since the 1980s. This model aims to offer higher quantities of new fashion collections at lower prices and faster rates, with quick reactions to new trends. However, this business model leads to overconsumption, production of low-quality clothes, and generates excessive waste.
- The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 20% of freshwater pollution worldwide. This is because synthetic clothing releases plastic microfibers during manufacturing, washing, wearing, and disposal, which can harm animals and humans in the environment.
- Microfibers from textiles are present in aquatic environments including deep sea, Arctic sea ice, and marine organisms due to their global distribution through air and water.
- According to McKinsey's 2020 report "The State of Fashion," fashion contributes 20 to 35% of the total microplastic that enters the ocean.
- Microplastic fibers, when consumed, can cause several health issues to fish, including aneurysms, respiratory problems, and abnormal egg production.
Slow Fashion, the solution?
Slow fashion is a fashion mindset that focuses on the processes and resources involved in making clothes. It encourages buying high-quality garments that last longer, and prioritizes fair treatment of people, animals, and the planet's resources. This is opposite to the fast fashion approach. The characteristics of slow fashion:
- Clothing items have a classic and enduring nature that surpasses temporary fashion trends.
- Each collection will only have a few specific styles that are released two or three times per year.