13 Facts about Textile Waste | Our Responsibilities
We keep hearing on repeat that textile waste is a serious concern, a ticking time bomb that needs immediate attention. We are told we will be in a literal “mountain” of discarded clothing if we don't do anything about it. In fact, we have heard all these warnings so often that they are more like background noise, but their urgency remains.
There is no denying the fact that the fashion industry as a whole, and fast fashion in particular, is creating an alarming amount of waste each year. Burying our heads in the sand will not make the issues go away. Instead, they may be further compounded if we continue to ignore them.
So let us take a look at some of the worrying facts about textile waste.
Emissions and Waste Produced Globally
- The apparel industry, along with the footwear industry, produces almost 8% of the greenhouse gas emissions globally. Let us put this more into perspective. This figure is greater than the carbon emissions generated by international air and marine traffic combined!
- If we continue at this rate, the emissions are expected to increase by 50% by the year 2030!!!
- The clothing and textiles we collectively discard add up to 92 million tonnes of waste that enters landfills.
- Over the last 15 years, consumers have worn the same outfit 36% less than they previously did. Instead, they choose to buy approximately twice as many clothes as they did in 2010.
- Then it should not come as a surprise that the average US consumer alone ends up getting rid of about 82 lbs of textiles annually!
Resource Wastage
- The fashion industry is the one behind 20% of the water wasted globally. The chemicals and dyes used in textile production pollute the water bodies and make them harmful to the local communities.
- The manufacture of a single new shirt uses up to 2700 litres of water. This water could instead be the drinking supply for a person for a total of 900 days.
Pollution
- The menace of microplastics originates from the washing of our laundry. A total of 10% of microplastics that end up in the oceans come from textiles and textile waste.
- Plastic waste amounting to 42 million tonnes is generated from the production of textiles.
The Fast fashion menace
- In light of the huge demand, manufacturers churn out a whopping 80 to 100 billion new pieces of clothing every year.
- Polyester is fashion’s favourite fabric and it makes up 60% of all clothing material. This results in added microplastic shedding which is a serious environmental hazard.
- Of the discarded textiles and textile waste, only 20% end up being collected.
- Of that, only 1% is eventually recycled.
These figures paint a bleak picture. The situation is dire and the future looks grim. However, the responsibility does not lie entirely with the industry. There is only so much they can and will do. It is the consumers that need to step up and change trends.
The Part Played by Consumers
We continuously seek more, and in doing so create a vicious demand for fast fashion.
- Consumers throw away garments thoughtlessly and only a small percentage of these are ever actually recycled.
- We are so thoroughly influenced by social media that it easily sways our choices and habits. With the bombardment of content from influencers and fashion icons, people are more inclined to follow what's currently "in" rather than what suits their tastes or needs. The result is impulsive purchasing decisions and a complete disregard for the environmental impact of fast fashion.
- So where there is a demand, a supply is sure to be created! The fast fashion industry fills the gap with economical garments that are produced quickly and consumed equally fast.
- This cheap clothing comes with its own set of problems which have compounded the pollution created by textile waste.
Our Responsibilities
So what does this mean for us? Do we have any responsibility towards the planet? We sure do. And here is what we can do about it.
- Be mindful of textile consumption
Let's be clear about this, there will always be something better and more attractive on display. The shop windows and online stores will always have a strong allure. After all, they are designed to captivate you. It is for you to decide whether you actually need that new garment or accessory or whether it is just a spontaneous decision. Say no to impulsive buying and avoid contributing to textile waste!
- Support sustainable brands
There are many brands that promote eco-friendly practices and use sustainable materials. They ensure the employment of ethical and fair labour practices. Do your part. Help them. Choose these brands and support their businesses.
- Stand by brands that offer innovative solutions
Innovations in the textile industry are taking many shapes.
- Biodegradable and compostable polyester: an example is CELYSTM Compostable Polyester Fibre which decomposes more than 95% within 179 days.
- Bio-based textiles: These fabrics are made from natural organic sources such as bamboo, hemp, or microorganisms. No fossil fuels are consumed in the process.
- Recycled textiles: This brilliant innovation makes use of discarded items such as plastic and metal waste to create new fabric, ready to be used again.
- Circular fashion: Why waste when it can be put to use again? That is the theory behind circular fashion, which ensures the reuse of all the materials within the industry.
Support these brands and help them continue doing business.
- Choose to recycle
As consumers, our role may seem insignificant but the opposite is true. We can make a huge impact by recycling our old and used clothing. Instead of discarding our clothes, we can donate to charities, repurpose, sell or even swap. The demand for new clothing can be diminished this way, easing the pressure on earth’s resources.
Work needs to be done on multiple fronts. The industry alone can not be held accountable. We, as consumers need to step up and take responsibility for the textile waste crisis. The demand we create is the driving force behind the excessive production of the fashion industry. When we become mindful of our fashion and consumption choices, a domino effect will be created across the industry.
It is time to take up a more sustainable mindset and support brands with ethical practices. It is time to choose quality over quantity and give preference to timeless pieces. Our commitment to change can pave the way for a fashion industry that respects both the environment and the planet as a whole.
