Lecture Notes: Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

Introduction to the Issue

• The Atacama Desert has become a dumping ground for the fashion industry.
• Textile waste is visible from space, contributing to an environmental crisis.
• Once a unique ecosystem, the desert faces irreversible damage due to fast fashion.

Dr. Rebecca Van Amber's Insights

• Background: College professor specializing in textile and apparel sustainability.
• Disconnection: People are disconnected from clothing production, leading to undervaluation of garments.

Production of Cotton

• Complex Process:
  • Planting cotton requires significant water.
  • Harvesting involves machinery, oil, petroleum, and pesticides.
  • Post-harvest processing is extensive (cleaning, aligning fibers, spinning into yarn).
  • Dyeing and finishing processes (e.g., stone washing, sandblasting) add to the environmental impact.

Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Fashion accounts for 4% of global emissions (equivalent to one garbage truck of textiles every second).
• Fabric Fibers: 60% are synthetics, non-biodegradable, taking thousands of years to decompose.

Thrift Stores and Donations

• Common Misconception: Donating clothes is not always beneficial. Many clothes end up exported overseas, contributing to waste in other countries.
• Mindful Donations:
  • Only donate wearables (no broken zippers or damaged items).
  • If it’s trash to you, it may not be treasure for someone else.

Circular Fashion as a Solution

• Circular Economy Concept:
  • Items should be cycled through the economy, recovering as many resources as possible.
  • Closing the loop: garments should re-enter the resource cycle after use.
• Best Practices:
  • Use garments for as long as possible.
  • Repair, share, or repurpose garments before disposal.

Conclusion

• Action Steps:
  • Repair, share, buy second-hand, and most importantly, buy less.
• Note: For further resources, visit clickview.net.