Online shopping has become a common trend amongst the masses. Everyone desires to look perfect and prime – proper in their office. With the onset of regular office going culture and students returning to their schools and colleges. The demand for formal clothes has increased in a short period. The statistics show that the sales of these articles of clothing rose by 70% in the UK and they expect it to be 78% in the USA. This increase in demand is a boon for the textile industry but a bane for the environment.
The World Economic Forum states industries related to textiles and fashion produce roughly around 10% of all humanity’s carbon emissions which makes it the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply in the world. According to the survey conducted by Textile Exchange, the production of clothes involves the usage of toxic chemicals, dyes and noxious emissions. Modern global textile production is primarily non – biodegradable that causes potential harm to the environment. Over 52% of fabrics are being made from polyester. They make many office apparels from plastic-based materials like nylon, acrylic and fleece.
What harm do they really cause?
One will be amazed to know that when these plastic-based textiles are washed, they result in the release of microplastics and the clothes which are sent to the dry cleaner often involves the use of a chemical known as PERC or neurotoxin and has serious environmental effects. After the use of old clothes if someone wants to give them away to charity or dispose of them, then these often land up in landfills which makes them the second-largest source of global plastic waste at 42 million metric tons and leave carbon footprints.
But what solves this problem?
One can switch to sustainable alternatives such as Poshmark, Mercari, Thred Up and Grailed or can even opt for rental services like Rent the Runway, Nuuly. by showing from these alternative platforms one can get a brand new, refreshing wardrobe at less cost as well, this would help in healing the environment and curbing waste production and pollution.
Written By – Jeet Sandhu