BlogpostThe fashion industry has long been known for its impact on the environment, but one often overlooked aspect is its vast water footprint. Each year, the textile sector consumes approximately 93 trillion liters of water—equivalent to 93 times the total drinking water consumption of all Dutch households combined. This excessive water usage is a significant contributor to the global water crisis, which is becoming increasingly urgent.
The water consumption in the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is responsible for a large portion of global water consumption, particularly in fabric production and textile dyeing processes. Irrigating cotton fields, washing denim and dyeing fabrics are some of the key activities that drive this consumption. This is not only a matter of quantity but also the quality of water used and subsequently polluted.
Beyond consumption, the fashion industry is also responsible for approximately 20% of industrial water pollution. This mainly results from the chemicals used during the dyeing and treatment of textiles. These chemicals often end up in rivers and lakes, posing a threat to ecosystems.
Microplastics and the Fashion Industry
Another major environmental issue linked to the fashion industry is microplastic pollution. Clothing made from synthetic fibers like polyester sheds microplastics every time it is washed. These microplastics ultimately end up in our oceans, where they have a detrimental impact on marine life. Shockingly, the fashion industry is responsible for 35% of the primary microplastic pollution in our oceans, making it a leading contributor to the growing microplastics crisis.
Climate Change and Water Stress
The recent record-breaking global temperatures, as reported by NOS, and growing concerns about droughts affecting global food production, emphasize the urgency of addressing water scarcity. Water stress is becoming increasingly severe, affecting agriculture, ecosystems, and industries worldwide. This underscores the critical need for industries, including fashion, to rethink their impact on water resources and take immediate action to address the crisis.
The Solution: Responsible Production and Conscious Consumption
The fashion industry must play a crucial role in mitigating water consumption and pollution. At ImpactBuying, we are committed to helping businesses in the fashion sector transition to more sustainable practices. This means embracing responsible production methods that use less water and more eco-friendly materials, as well as reducing the harmful chemicals that pollute water sources.
But addressing the water crisis doesn’t end with production; consumer behavior also plays a critical role. That’s why we encourage brands to promote conscious consumption, helping their customers make better choices by selecting sustainable materials.