Impact of fast fashion on the environment! How can organic clothing help to mitigate this?

The creation and disposal of fast fashion clothing have a noteworthy impact on the environment with negative consequences. This is due to the significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and waste accumulation. During production, harmful chemicals, toxic dyes, and detrimental gasses are released, which cause water and air pollution. 

What is the impact of fast fashion on the environment?

Use of toxic chemicals –

Bright hues, fabrics, and prints appeal to us. However, have you ever speculated how much toxins these colors and dyes produce? These toxins and dyes are the second largest pollutants of water resources. 

It's unfortunate that some manufacturing companies improperly dispose of their waste by releasing untreated or poorly treated wastewater straight into rivers and oceans. This irresponsible disposal method leads to contaminating our valuable water sources with hazardous chemicals from production processes.

Emission of harmful gasses –

The production of synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic results in the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, leading to major environmental consequences.

In contrast, organic clothing made from natural materials like organic cotton, hemp, Aloe vera, and bamboo has a lower carbon footprint, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Water contamination –

This is another serious issue of fast fashion on the environment. The fashion industry is one of the largest water consumers. Harmful chemicals and dyes used during garment production can release toxic substances into water bodies, leading to further environmental pollution. 

However, choosing organic clothing made from natural materials requires less water, without any use of harmful chemicals, which reduces water pollution and minimizes the fashion industry's impact on the environment.

Accumulation of waste in landfills –

Fast fashion also contributes to the build-up of tons of waste in landfills. The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to waste build-up, with an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste generated yearly. Moreover, synthetic materials used in fast fashion garments will take several years to decompose, further worsening the waste accumulation problem. 

On the other hand, organic clothing is made from natural materials that are biodegradable and do not contribute to the accumulation of waste. Therefore, choosing organic clothing helps to lessen the fashion industry's environmental impact. 

Organic clothing manufacturers often prioritize sustainable production methods and fair labor practices, further lessening the environmental impact of garment production.

Animal livestock damage –

Leather tanneries pose a huge threat to the environment. The production of leather goods not only has harmful effects on the environment due to the use of excessive amounts of water, chemicals, and other resources, but it also harms living beings.

Moreover, producing and disposing of leather garments contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and waste accumulation. 

Conversely, choosing organic clothing from natural materials like organic cotton and bamboo helps lessen the environmental impact.

Organic clothing requires fewer resources and involves sustainable production methods that improve soil health, reduce water usage, and prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

In Conclusion-

Without any doubt, fast fashion significantly impacts the environment. So, it is crucial to make an effort to reduce this harmful impact of synthetic clothing by choosing sustainable alternatives like organic clothing.