THE IMPACT OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY ON CLOTHING

STORY BY: ALORWORDOR EDNA ASEYE



The textile industry is involved in the production of fabrics and clothing. It could also be referred to fast fashion, which is the constant u production of new styles at very low prices. Fast fashion is based on mass production, low prices and high sales volumes that promotes many first washes. It plays a significant role in the global economy but it also has implications on the environment. One major concern is the high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with textile production.


The industry uses large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals in processes like dyeing and finishing. It also takes up lands to grow cottons and other fibers. Water is used throughout the production process, from growing crops like cotton to dyeing and finishing fabrics. According to research, it’s takes Two Thousand,Seven Hundred(2,700) litres of fresh water are required to make a single T-shirt in accordance to estimations. That amount of water is regarded to meet one person’s drinking water needs for a good two years and five months(2.5 years). That’s almost three years. Also, manufacturing processes like spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing require a lot of energy, often sourced from non-renewable fossil fuels. This leads to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The extraction and treatment of water for textile production can deplete local water sources and contribute to water scarcity in some regions. Moreover, the use of certain chemicals in textile production, such as dyes and finishes, can lead to water pollution and harm ecosystems. These chemicals can end up in rivers and oceans, affecting aquatic life and biodiversity.

As at 2020, the textile industry was regarded as the third largest cause of water degradation and land use with an average of nine cubic metres of water, four Hundred(400) square metres of land and three Hundred and Ninety One(391) kilograms of raw materials. Textiles also waste landfills and low recycling rates with the way people get rid of unwanted clothes with the items being thrown away rather than being donated The rise of fast fashion has been crucial in the increase in consumption, driven partly by social media and the industry bringing fashion trends to more consumers at a faster pace than in the past.

efforts should be made to address these issues and promote sustainability in the textile industry. Many companies should adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using organic or recycled materials, implementing water and energy-saving technologies, and improving waste management. By choosing sustainable and ethically produced clothing, we can all contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry.


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