Would you reconsider that little black dress you saw last week, or the coat hanging in your closet if you knew they put your body at risk?
Do you know how much the fast fashion industry impacts the environment negatively? It’s not simply because of our clothes filling up landfills around the country, but the toxic chemicals in them. During the clothes production our oceans get polluted by the toxins used to speed up the process. And these toxins don’t just affect the workers touching and working with these chemicals, but everyone wearing them as well.
Textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of clean water globally - UN Economic Commission Europe, 2018
Bright and vibrant colours, incredible prints and patterns are all appealing features in fashion. But many of these exact features are achieved with toxic chemicals. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that many of these chemicals can penetrate through the skin, and further enter our bodies. The Hormone Health Network further stating that this can affect our immune system, disrupt our sexual development and growth and development in kids especially. It’s also been linked up to different types of cancer and a various of other long lasting health problems. It’s a harsh reality, but a reality we need to be aware of. Do what you can by decreasing/stopping your consumption of fast fashion.
It’s hard to know what clothes are filled with chemicals. In comparison to food items, clothing does not come with a list of ingredients used in the production of it. Which is why it’s incredibly important do to your research. Start small; choose organic grown cotton over conventional cotton, choose second-hand clothing over buying a new shirt or dress for every party you’re invited to, and do some research on what sportswear are PFC-free (Perfluorocarbon).
Today’s task:
What is the one shop you purchase the most clothes? Do a quick Google search and find out if your favourite shops are free for toxic chemicals. And remember to share with us in the comment section below!
- Sara Nilsson
References:
Grigorova T. 92018) The harmful chemicals in fast fashion. Impakter. [online]. Available at: https://impakter.com/harmful-chemicals-fast-fashion/ [accessed: 26.03.2020]
Perry, P. (2018) The environmental costs of fast fashion. Independent. [online]. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/environment-costs-fast-fashion-pollution-waste-sustainability-a8139386.html [accessed: 26.03.2020]
Roloff, L. Y. (2018) Greenpeace report: clothing industry shows progress in cutting hazrdous chemicals. Greenpeace International. [online]. Available at: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/17739/greenpeace-report-clothing-industry-shows-progress-in-cutting-hazardous-chemicals/ [accessed: 26.03.2020]
UENCE (2018) Fashion and the SDGs: What role for the UN? [online]. Available at: https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/RCM_Website/RFSD_2018_Side_event_sustainable_fashion.pdf [accessed: 26.03.2020]