For some time now, the fashion industry and ecology have been seeking to forge a path together. An example of this is Lee So-yeon, formerly a compulsive buyer, who became a climate activist after a revealing purchase of a $1.50 coat. Shocked by the reality of fast fashion, she researched its environmental and social impact, and decided to stop buying new clothes.
For the past six years, her wardrobe has consisted of second-hand, inherited, or exchanged garments. She now promotes clothing reuse, organizes exchanges, and has written a book about the importance of valuing garments for their history.
Lee is part of a growing movement that challenges consumerism in fashion and advocates for sustainable alternatives, such as exchanges and second-hand clothing, raising awareness among people about the importance of breaking the cycle of excessive consumption.
In fact, South Korea has become the fifth largest exporter of used clothing in the world. In addition, many activists in the Asian country claim that many garments end up in the trash, especially in developing countries that lack the capacity to process them.
The fashion industry, one of the most polluting
According to World Bank estimates, the global fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the most polluting industries.
This is because most modern clothing is made from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon, which are essentially non-biodegradable plastics that accumulate in landfills and dumps.
The environmental impact of this industry
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting on the planet. Its impact on the environment is due to:
- Greenhouse gas emissions: The fashion industry is responsible for between 2% and 4% of global carbon emissions. In turn, fast fashion contributes to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, the climate impact of the garment industry is expected to increase by 49% by 2030.
- Water usage: It is estimated that the textile industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water each year, enough to meet the needs of five million people. In fact, producing a single cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water, equivalent to what a person drinks in 2 and a half years.
- Waste generation: Every year, the fashion sector releases half a million tons of microfibers into the sea, not to mention that textile waste cannot be composted, even if they are made from natural materials. Furthermore, incinerating clothes can release toxins into the air, increasing environmental pollution.
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