HOW THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT?

Along with the remarkable development of technology, digitalization, commerce, etc., the fashion industry has also made significant strides in production processes, commerce, etc. However, this development also leaves behind significant environmental consequences.

10% of the total global CO2 emissions, 93 billion cubic meters of water, and 92 million tons of waste are the impacts that the fashion industry generates within a year. However, it takes us 12 years to recycle what the fashion industry produces in 24 hours.

Did you know that up to 60% of our clothing is made from polyester or plastic? These plastic fibers infiltrate water and soil, causing deaths of organisms and contaminating human food sources. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry ranks second in environmental pollution, only after the oil industry, and the amount of waste it generates annually surpasses the combined waste of airplanes and ships. Few realize that behind the glamorous appearance of the fashion industry lies extremely negative impacts on the environment.

Water Pollution: It takes up to 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton t-shirt and 7,000 liters of water to produce one pair of jeans, while clean water globally is at a severe scarcity level. Not to mention, untreated dyeing wastewater from the textile industry contains heavy metals and other organic-inorganic additives, which are discharged into the environment.

Soil Pollution: Untreated waste also affects the soil environment when ecosystems are contaminated with hazardous waste.

Air Pollution: Industrial waste in factories producing fabric fibers containing plastic particles contributes to air pollution, emitting significant amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Fashion production, especially materials like polyester and plastic, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, depleting the ozone layer.

Waste: According to studies by marine and island monitoring organizations, about 8 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the ocean each year, with approximately 35-60% of waste coming from the fashion industry. The fashion industry is the main cause of global plastic pollution, producing about 92 tons of plastic waste annually.

Additionally, according to statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, 5-7% of waste in major cities each year comes from the fashion industry, with 90% of materials being non-recyclable.

The development of the fashion industry, along with human recreational shopping habits, has had significant environmental impacts. Instead of choosing products made from non-recyclable materials, opt for items made from natural fibers such as pineapple, hemp, or banana. Choosing environmentally friendly products also has a significant impact on environmental conservation. Be a smart consumer and choose wisely.