Fast-Fashion's Real Environmental Cost

MIDDLETOWN, Del. - Nov. 13, 2025 - PRLog -- Fast fashion has changed the way the world consumes clothing — making trendy styles accessible and affordable, but at a devastating cost to the planet. Behind every low-priced garment lies a complex web of pollution, waste, and human impact that is reshaping ecosystems and economies alike.

The global apparel industry now produces over 100 billion garments each year, driven by relentless consumer demand and ultra-fast production cycles. But producing that volume comes at a steep environmental price. A single cotton T-shirt can require more than 2,700 liters of water, while polyester — the world's most common textile — is derived from fossil fuels and sheds microplastics into waterways with every wash. These fibers, now found in oceans, drinking water, and even human bloodstreams, represent a growing environmental crisis.

Beyond pollution, the industry's linear "take-make-dispose" model generates over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills or burned. Dyes and finishing processes release hazardous chemicals into rivers, while energy-intensive factories drive up global emissions. The cumulative effect is staggering — fashion now contributes up to 10% of total global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined.

The article calls for a conscious shift toward slow fashion, emphasizing durability, recycling, and ethical production. Solutions like circular design, secondhand markets, and renewable materials are already paving the way for a more sustainable future. Consumers, too, play a critical role: choosing quality over quantity, supporting transparent brands, and extending the life of clothing through care and reuse.

Source article: https://www.earthava.com/fast-fashion-environmental-impact/