The fast fashion industry continues its relentless pace, contributing to the significant fast fashion environmental impact.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has recently urged for significant changes within the textile sector, drawing attention to the staggering amounts of toxic waste it produces.
What’s the Situation?
During his address to the U.N. General Assembly on the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, Guterres highlighted the various challenges posed by textile waste. He stated, “Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals — many of them harmful. … Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill.” He criticized careless clothing manufacturers for contributing to this waste, asserting that they “prioritize newness, speed, and disposability” rather than focusing on creating durable and sustainable clothing.
Guterres wrapped up his address by advocating for transparency, circularity, and waste reduction as practical business strategies to mitigate the fast fashion environmental impact.
Why Highlight Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion is an insidious contributor to environmental pollution.
When we think of “plastic waste,” items like disposable water bottles or plastic bags may come to mind. However, clothing significantly ranks higher in terms of environmental impact than many might assume.
According to the U.N., the textile sector is the third-largest source of global plastic waste, contributing approximately 11% annually. Fast fashion’s low-quality garments, created to quickly align with fleeting trends, are among the worst offenders in this category. Notably, sustainability is often not integrated into the operational models of many clothing brands. Nearly half of textile waste ends up in landfills in the Global South, where it contaminates soil and water with harmful chemicals as it breaks down. Additionally, some companies engage in practices known as “greenwashing,” misleading consumers into believing they are environmentally responsible when, in reality, they are not.
As Guterres emphasized in his remarks, “There is no space for greenwashing. … We need accountability for corporate sustainability commitments.”
What Actions are Being Taken to Address Textile Waste?
Despite the enormity of the issue—the fast fashion sector is valued at over $150 billion—the battle against this waste is ongoing. For instance, Shein is currently under investigation for its business practices. Moreover, Guterres mentioned a U.N. Plastics Treaty that is being developed, which, if enacted, would legally obligate nations to combat plastic pollution.
To make a difference, consider distancing yourself from fast fashion. When refreshing your wardrobe, opt for secondhand shopping. Thrifting can provide affordable, stylish options while also allowing for the possibility of discovering high-quality items.
Guterres stressed the significance of individuals in fostering a cultural shift regarding clothing purchases, stating, “We need transparency for customers. And we need consumers to use their purchasing power to encourage change.”
