The fashion industry is now the second largest generator of pollution on earth, after oil. Intensive water consumption and pollution within this industry begins with the production of crops, such as cotton. Cotton fields are regularly irrigated and dosed with pesticides and herbicides to protect them from damage by insects or disease. These chemicals are then washed off by rain and can enter surface and groundwaters, which later poses a challenge for utilities to analyse for and remove when this water is abstracted for domestic purposes. If manufacturers decide to make use of synthetic fibres, these are often sourced from crude oil and include polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene and elastane. During later stages of processing, activities like bleaching and dyeing in dyehouses can also come with severe environmental impacts.

Share