Environmental Burdens within the Fashion Industry
Session Title
Sustainability, Access, and the Environment
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Faculty Mentor
Ginger Williams, Ph.D.
Abstract
Most people do not know what fashion waste is, nor do they know the current effect that it has on the environment. The fashion industry is one of the leading pollutants in the world. Increased production of clothing made from synthetic fibers, declining longevity, and levels of waste and greenhouse gas emissions greater than the combined effects of flights and international shipping all contribute to fashion-industry pollution. Consumers are shopping 20 times more than before, and as a result of consumer decisions, the fashion industry is forced to discard clothing much faster than before. Chemical based clothing is being discarded into landfills in less fortunate countries, where the waste is being burned by the ton. Due to the burning of clothes, chemicals from textile dyeing and synthetic fibers are released into the atmosphere, shrinking the ozone layer. The purpose of an ozone layer is to be open so that heat can be released, and cool air can enter into the atmosphere. Not only is it affecting the environment, but it is affecting the human population because we are inhaling these toxic chemicals and they are making us sick. The issue must be dealt with immediately for the sake of the entire human population and our existence here on Earth. This has led to the question: What are the best ways to reduce fashion consumption, improve sustainability, and spread awareness on fashion pollution? Although raw materials are limited resources and more costly, they are prized possessions that add tremendous value to the fashion industry. Through consumer consciousness, environmental activism, and ethical business practices the industry could lower the rate of fashion consumption and improve sustainability.
Course Assignment
IDVS 490 – Williams
Start Date
24-4-2020 12:00 AM
Environmental Burdens within the Fashion Industry
Most people do not know what fashion waste is, nor do they know the current effect that it has on the environment. The fashion industry is one of the leading pollutants in the world. Increased production of clothing made from synthetic fibers, declining longevity, and levels of waste and greenhouse gas emissions greater than the combined effects of flights and international shipping all contribute to fashion-industry pollution. Consumers are shopping 20 times more than before, and as a result of consumer decisions, the fashion industry is forced to discard clothing much faster than before. Chemical based clothing is being discarded into landfills in less fortunate countries, where the waste is being burned by the ton. Due to the burning of clothes, chemicals from textile dyeing and synthetic fibers are released into the atmosphere, shrinking the ozone layer. The purpose of an ozone layer is to be open so that heat can be released, and cool air can enter into the atmosphere. Not only is it affecting the environment, but it is affecting the human population because we are inhaling these toxic chemicals and they are making us sick. The issue must be dealt with immediately for the sake of the entire human population and our existence here on Earth. This has led to the question: What are the best ways to reduce fashion consumption, improve sustainability, and spread awareness on fashion pollution? Although raw materials are limited resources and more costly, they are prized possessions that add tremendous value to the fashion industry. Through consumer consciousness, environmental activism, and ethical business practices the industry could lower the rate of fashion consumption and improve sustainability.
