PLANET
The fashion industry is a massive global enterprise that affects not only human beings but also the environment. While fashion has provided jobs and a means of self-expression for millions of people, its impact on the environment cannot be overlooked (UNEP, 2018). The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, including the depletion of natural resources, the generation of waste and pollution, and the release of greenhouse gases (UNEP, 2022). This is against the sustainable development agenda, which calls for the responsible use of resources and the protection of the environment for future generations including good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, and life on land (United Nations, 2022). The overproduction of clothing and the use of synthetic materials and harmful chemicals in the production process are just a few examples of how the fashion industry negatively affects the environment. This essay will focus on the role of the environment sphere within the fashion industry. In particular, the fashion industry’s environmental impact on water resources through microbead pollution of marine ecosystems and water waste. And it poses a threat to the health of animals and humans by releasing toxic water. Besides, the solutions helping solving the problems will be discussed too.
In addition, the fashion industry is also responsible for contributing to water waste and pollution. Water conservation is a key concern confronting humanity in present day, requiring the fashion industry to assume accountability for its practises pertaining to water resources. The Levi’s Water<Less campaign was initiated by Levi Strauss & Co, a prominent entity within the fashion business. The fashion industry has been the driving force behind initiatives like Water<Less, which has also engaged in collaborations with several other industries in order to accomplish its objectives.
Launched in 2011, Water<Less focuses on reducing water usage during fabric finishing processes (Water.org, 2012). Levi Strauss & Co (LS&Co) has successfully integrated several advancements into its manufacturing processes, including the adoption of new dyeing procedures and laser technology for cutting denim materials, thereby eliminating the need for water consumption. This results in a substantial decrease in water usage as compared to conventional techniques. Since its launch, LS&Co has reported saving over two billion liters of water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking more than half a million cars off the road annually (Levi Strauss & Con, 2020).
United Nations (2022). United Nations Sustainable Development. [online] United Nations Sustainable Development. Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/.
United Nations Environment Programme. (2018). Single-use plastics: A roadmap for sustainability. Retrieved from https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25496/singleUsePlastic_sustainability.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
UNEP (2022). The environmental costs of fast fashion. [online] UNEP. Available at: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/environmental-costs-fast-fashion.
Water.org. (2012). Levi’s® Water. [online] Available at: https://water.org/about-us/news-press/levis-waterless-campaign/.
Levi Strauss & Co (2020). Sustainability Report. [online] Available at: https://www.levistrauss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LSCo.-2020-Sustainability-Report.pdf.