Welcome to the fashion industry! Did you know it accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions?
Creating a single t-shirt requires a staggering 594 gallons of water, enough for one person to drink for 2.5 years. Annually, 1.3 trillion gallons of water are consumed solely for fabric dyeing.
Consumer interest in sustainability has surged, with a 75% increase in searches that include the term. However, to foster a change in mindset among companies and consumers, governments must implement regulations and incentives.
During manufacturing, harmful chemicals and dyes often find their way into waterways, jeopardizing ecosystems and contaminating groundwater.
Currently, the fashion industry lacks universally recognized standards for sustainability, with only 1% of new products launched in the first half of 2019 labeled as sustainable.
Consumers have the power to make a difference by purchasing less and backing eco-conscious brands like Patagonia. Together, government initiatives and consumer actions can lead to a more sustainable fashion industry.