FASHION: THE SECOND MOST POLLUTING

FASHION

Henrique Martins

Communications Consultant

Lisbon Sustainability Agency

Friday, 27th of September 2019, at 10:35

The fashion industry is currently not sustainable. Worldwide textile production creates more than a billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is more than all international flights and shipping combined. And, despite that clothing is reusable, hundreds of millions of items of clothing go to landfill every year - an outrageous waste. Vibrant prints are always in fashion, but toxic chemicals are often used to achieve such eye-catching shades, polluting fresh water, which is dangerous for the communities living near textile manufacturers. Dozens of millions of tonnes of cotton are as well produced for the fashion industry every year, consuming high levels of toxic pesticides and using thousands of litres of water. Exotic animals, such as crocodiles, phytons, foxes, leopards and chinchillas, are constantly being killed in a cruel way for brands to make expensive luxury pieces. Many people living in developing countries, including children, work in inhuman conditions and have already sewed messages asking for help in clothing labels.

Although it is still impossible to be 100% sustainable, fashion brands do have the power to change by sourcing materials more ethically, creating a responsible and conscious industry with greater influence and increased profit. While it’s important to be reminded that everything comes from somewhere or someone, it is the companies’ duty to work to honor the relationship between materials, products, and individuals, originating a sustainable community and, as a result, an enriched product for not only the consumer, but also the planet.

At LSA, we assess our Clients' supply chain to ensure that it is as sustainable as possible, incorporating ethical principles in their business strategy and corporate culture. Driven by change and innovation, our goal is to minimize brands' environmental footprint, while maximizing their positive impact on the communities.