Climate change experts have identified gas and oil as the main contributors to the current high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, one sector that is often overlooked for its contribution to carbon emissions and environmental degradation is the fast-fashion industry (FFI).
Scientists estimate that globally, the FFI accounts for almost 10% for all humanity’s carbon emissions. In fact, it is said the industry is the second largest industrial GHG contributor after the oil and gas industries. The industry does not only emit GHG but it is also environmentally unfriendly as it uses chemicals to dye fabrics which seep through the soil and contaminate groundwater.
The polluted water flows into local rivers, streams or ditches, most of which are the only primary water sources for local communities. According to Earth.org, a global environmental news source, the problem lies with the FFI’s business model which relies on cheap and speedy production of low-quality clothing to meet the latest and newest trends.
This story was produced with support from Internews' Earth Journalism Network. It was first published in Greening Afrika on March 7, 2024. It has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Banner Image: A landfill in Johannesburg, South Africa. Credit: Hush Naidoo Jade Photography via Unsplash.
Thabo Mohlala
