Most laypeople may not think that a piece of clothing attached to their body can determine the future of the planet. But what is the connection? How does the fashion industry contribute to global warming?
Fashion is one of the most creative and expressive industries in the world. However, behind the runways and Instagram-worthy outfits lies a massive environmental cost. What many people don’t realize is that fashion is also a major player in climate change.
In fact, the industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Still don’t get it? This article will explain it to you!
How Fashion Fuels Climate Change
For those who don’t get the connection, now let’s break it down! The process of making a single piece of clothing involves a long chain of energy-intensive steps: growing raw materials like cotton, extracting oil for synthetic fibers, spinning yarn, dyeing, sewing, transporting across continents, and eventually, selling it in stores or online. Each step burns fossil fuels and adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
One major culprit? Polyester. This popular fabric is cheap and found in most fast-fashion items, but it’s made from petroleum, which means that it’s essentially plastic spun into thread. Producing polyester is not only carbon-heavy but also contributes to microplastic pollution when washed.
Then there’s fast fashion itself. Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of cheap, trendy clothing that mimics current runway styles and encourages frequent consumer purchases, often at the expense of environmental and ethical standards.
The industry thrives on quick production cycles and ever-changing trends. New collections drop every few weeks, pressuring consumers to keep buying. That overproduction leads to more emissions, more resource use, and a whole lot of waste.
Waste, Water, and Pollution
Every year, the fashion industry generates an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste. Much of it ends up in landfills or is burned—releasing harmful gases in the process. Because clothes are often made with blends of synthetic fibers, recycling them isn’t as easy as tossing a bottle into a bin. Most recycling systems aren’t built to handle clothing at scale.
On top of that, there’s a serious water issue awaiting. Growing cotton uses a ton of water, while one T-shirt can take up to 2,700 liters to produce. Besides, we also have a problem with dyeing fabrics, which often involves toxic chemicals that can pollute rivers and harm ecosystems, especially in areas where environmental regulations are loose or poorly enforced.
Don’t Forget the Undercover Impact of Fashion Logistics
Beyond production, transporting fashion items around the globe has its own environmental price. The clothes you are wearing should have gone through a very long journey before entering the shop, which means that many fuels and resources have been consumed during the process.
Besides the growing process, raw materials are often shipped from one country to another for processing, then to a third country for manufacturing, and finally distributed worldwide. These logistics contribute heavily to carbon emissions through air freight and maritime shipping.
In addition, the rise of e-commerce has led to a spike in packaging waste and emissions from last-mile delivery. Fast returns also create an unseen loop of pollution as many returned items are not resold but destroyed due to logistical complications or quality concerns.
The Way Forward: Rethinking Fashion for the Climate
Despite the challenges, there’s hope and a growing number of solutions. Brands are starting to explore more sustainable fabrics, like organic cotton, hemp, or TENCEL™, which have a lower environmental impact. Some are investing in circular fashion models that focus on reusing, repairing, reselling, or recycling garments instead of tossing them out.
Consumers also play a big role. Choosing quality over quantity, supporting ethical brands, and even something as simple as washing clothes less frequently can reduce one’s fashion footprint. There’s a quiet shift happening toward “slow fashion,” a movement that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and long-lasting style over disposable trends.
At the same time, we need bigger systemic changes. Governments and global organizations are beginning to propose policies that hold fashion companies accountable for their emissions and waste. These kinds of regulations are essential for pushing the entire industry in a greener direction.
Time to Dress with Purpose
Fashion has always been a way to express who we are, but now, it’s also a chance to show what we stand for. The industry’s link to global warming is undeniable, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. By rethinking how clothes are made, bought, and cared for, we can help steer fashion toward a more sustainable, climate-friendly future.
Every choice, whether it’s buying secondhand, investing in better quality, or wearing what we already own, makes a difference. The world doesn’t need a handful of perfect people doing it all right. It needs millions of us to make small, better choices, starting with what’s hanging in our closets.
Image Source :
https://www.shutterstock.com/id/image-photo/desert-full-used-clothes-textile-dump-2379258567
https://www.shutterstock.com/id/image-photo/girl-doll-legs-high-heels-globe-2108752094
https://www.shutterstock.com/id/image-photo/discarded-sneakers-on-sandy-beach-ocean-2583187431
https://www.shutterstock.com/id/image-photo/white-longtrailer-truck-efficient-sustainable-cargo-2567059577
https://www.shutterstock.com/id/image-photo/sustainable-fashion-circular-economy-denim-eco-2089722937
https://www.shutterstock.com/id/image-photo/recycling-products-concept-organic-cotton-cloth-2192892981
References:
https://sustainablecommunity.medium.com/fashions-hidden-impact-on-carbon-footprint-and-global-warming-07460fff24c4
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60382624
https://tropicsu.org/climate-change-what-can-you-do-a-comic/
