Fashion isn't just about clothing. It's a lifestyle! Consumers all around the world buy more and more clothes to keep up with the latest trends. Whether it’s mom jeans, cold shoulder tops, or printed scarves, fashionistas and every-day women rummage through several hangers in fast fashion stores to get their style game on.
However, even though the outfit maybe your perfect OOTD or give you a thousand likes on Instagram, you're very likely contributing to pollution!
Here's how.
Plastic Microfibers End Up In Rivers
Several dyes that are used to manufacture garments are the leading cause of water pollution. What's worse is that garments produced with polyester releases 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean, which is equal to 50 billion plastic bottles! Along with this, several textile factories throw untreated chemicals into surrounding lakes and rivers, which leads to pollution and loss of aquatic life.
Water Pollution and Shortage of Water
Another factor that needs to be considered apart from pollution is the shortage of water. Statistics show that over 79 billion cubic meters of freshwater is required annually to keep up with the increasing fashion demands. A single cotton t-shirt requires more than drastic 2000 liters of water! The Aral Sea, which was once the world's fourth-largest lake, and home to various fish species, has now dried up due to the cotton manufacturing in the area.
Air Pollution and Global Warming
It's no surprise that textile production leads to billions of tones of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Research has shown that the fashion industry makes up 10% of humanity's carbon emissions. This results in the greenhouse effect, which brings about climate change and global warming.
Land Pollution and Deforestation
The fashion industry is the main culprit for growing landfills. Research has shown 85% of all clothing in the United States is dumped as solid waste in landfills. Fashion also affects our precious forests; this is mainly due to textile production. Various fabrics are made from the pulp of plants, such as modal, rayon, and viscose. Whether it's your jacket, shirt, pant, or even shoes-some percentage of it comes from plants.
Along with this, cotton is the biggest reason for the clearance of land. Fashion brands need to cater to the seemingly insatiable demand for cotton clothes, which is why millions of trees lose their lives.
Choose Sustainable Fashion
Climate change and global warming are becoming a critical issue that requires immediate action. The planet's well being and protection is our responsibility. If you’re looking for an ecologically sustainable lifestyle brand, shop with Equal Hands. We're a leading luxury sustainable fashion brand that offers unique and fashionable clothes that are both stylish and comfortable.
Whether you're looking for eco-friendly women’s clothing or ethical sustainable jewelry, we've got you covered.
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