Fashion

What happens when our fashion takes a toll on the environment?

What scientists have recently realized is that the clothes we wear every day can have substantial consequences for our oceans, streams, rivers and lakes. As synthetic materials, like fleece, nylon and polyester, enter into our waste treatment plants from our washing machines, these chemical residues eventually find their way into our water systems. These substances are considered microfibres, and as discussed in the “Types of Microplastics” section, microfibres are a prevailing problem concerning aquatic ecosystems.

Waste water treatment is not 100% efficient, and because of this as “fast fashion” remains prevalent in today’s society, more apparel is being bought and used over shorter amounts of time. Companies such as H&M, Nike, Shein, Patagonia and Burberry, have all been at fault for producing textile items with large amounts of synthetic, nonbiodegradable substances.

Not only has Fast Fashion perpetuated environmental degredation by producing garments with nylon and polyester, but it is also guilty of social implications as well. Companies like Shein have been exposed for "racial insensitivity" having promoted anti-Semitism and marketing ethnically offensive items. Obviously, stores such as these should be avoided for moral, environmental and social issues.

Microfibres are one of the most common pollutants in our freshwater and saltwater systems, and US Geological Survey and State University of New York Fredonia reported that 71% of sampled microplastics in freshwater were fibres

Although the list of companies at fault for raising profits off of the production of such materials, greater quantities of items with lower quality is a widespread issue that can be mitigated locally through changes in consumer behavior and advocating for environmentally sustainable clothing products. Making small changes in regular activities, such as:

• saving clothes for longer periods

• supporting organizations/NGOs who develop innovative ideas on how to appropriately and effectively confront fast fashion

  • For Example: “Sustainable Fashion.Earth” (whose aim is to to develop “collaborative solutions to produce and consume sustainable textiles”)

• becoming aware of these issues

• If permissible, opting for eco-friendly clothing materials

  • organic cotton products (biodegradable)

  • Linen (natural/biodegradable/no chemicals required)

  • silk/vegan silk (biodegradable/natural)

• Great Resource to identify which brands are more ecofriendly than others: https://theprettyplaneteer.com/fast-fashion-brands-to-avoid/

All of these are a great starting point towards implementing a more environmentally conscious world.