The global clothing industry is a major driver of resource consumption, pollution, and waste — from cotton fields to fast fashion landfills. Addressing sustainability in textiles involves both material choices and system-wide changes.
Cotton is one of the most water-intensive crops. A single T-shirt can require over 2,500 liters of water to produce. Synthetic fibers use less water during farming but have higher fossil fuel footprints.
Polyester and other synthetic fabrics shed microplastics with every wash, contributing to ocean pollution. These microfibers pass through wastewater treatment plants and enter aquatic ecosystems.
Organic cotton, hemp, Tencel (lyocell), and recycled fibers offer promising alternatives. Circular fashion models emphasize reuse, resale, and fiber recovery from worn garments.
Fast fashion encourages overproduction and short garment lifespans. In contrast, sustainable design promotes durability, modularity (repairable parts), and low-impact dyes and finishes.
Carbon footprint varies widely depending on fiber type, energy sources, and transport. Look for standards like GOTS (organic), OEKO-TEX (chemical safety), and Fair Trade (labor welfare).