The global fast fashion market is poised to reach
$122.98 billion in 2023 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6%. It is known for its negative environmental consequences, and here are three key pieces of evidence that demonstrate how it harms the environment:
High water consumptionFast fashion relies heavily on water-intensive processes. For example, it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt, equivalent to what one person drinks in 2.5 years. The dyeing and finishing of textiles are also water-intensive, often involving harmful chemicals. In some regions, the fashion industry's excessive water usage has led to water scarcity, putting local communities at risk.
Microplastic pollutionMany fast fashion items are made from synthetic materials like polyester, which shed microplastic fibers when washed. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific Ocean is a notorious example. This vast area contains an accumulation of marine debris, including microplastics, resulting from the breakdown of various plastic materials in the ocean. Ocean currents concentrate this plastic pollution, threatening marine life as these microplastics are ingested and enter the food chain. The long-term effects of microfiber pollution on ecosystems and human health are still being studied, but it is a growing environmental issue associated with fast fashion.
Textile wasteFast fashion's disposable nature leads to a massive textile waste problem. In the United States, over 15 million tons of used textile waste are generated yearly, and only about 15% is recycled. The rest often ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to environmental pollution and the release of harmful substances. Additionally, synthetic materials common in fast fashion, like polyester, can take hundreds of years to decompose, further burdening the environment.
These three pieces of evidence highlight the significant environmental harm caused by the fast fashion industry. Unfortunately, the role of synthetic fabrics doesn’t end with this.