Photo credit: news.un.org
During an event held to mark the International Day of Zero Waste, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate the adverse effects of the textile industry on the environment.
He pointedly remarked, “Dressing to kill could kill the planet,” highlighting the significant environmental challenges posed by the fashion sector.
The fashion industry stands as one of the largest contributors to global pollution, accounting for approximately eight percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it consumes a staggering 215 trillion liters of water each year—an amount that could fill 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools—and employs thousands of chemicals, many of which pose risks to both human health and natural ecosystems.
Despite these alarming statistics, the production and disposal of clothing have reached unprecedented levels, driven by business models that emphasize rapid production and disposability rather than sustainability.
A crisis woven into our clothes
Mr. Guterres warned that the issues within the fashion industry are symptomatic of a broader global waste crisis. Each year, humanity generates over two billion tonnes of waste, enough to encircle the globe 25 times if loaded into standard shipping containers. This waste significantly pollutes land, air, and water, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities.
He stated, “The rich world is flooding the Global South with garbage, from obsolete computers to single-use plastics,” emphasizing the unfair burden placed on less affluent nations.
Many regions lack the necessary infrastructure to manage even a fraction of the waste dumped in their territories, leading to heightened pollution and dangerous working conditions for those involved in waste collection.
This year’s focus: Fashion
The fashion industry is the focal point of this year’s observance, drawing attention to its excessive resource consumption and pollution. This sector is characterized by rapidly changing trends, with many garments discarded after only a few uses.
Experts suggest that extending the lifespan of clothing could result in a 44 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, the industry also holds significant potential to transform lives positively and enhance livelihoods.
According to Mr. Guterres, “Designers are experimenting with recycled materials. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability, and resale markets are thriving in many countries.” He called upon all individuals to join the effort against waste.
Shun greenwashing
He emphasized the need for governments to implement policies and regulations that foster sustainability and promote zero-waste initiatives. Businesses, too, must move beyond mere “greenwashing” and take substantive actions to cut waste, enhance circular practices, and improve resource efficiency throughout their supply chains.
Consumers are integral to this movement; their choices can make a significant difference by prioritizing durable goods, cutting back on unnecessary consumption, and supporting resale markets.
“There is no space for greenwashing,” he stressed. “Businesses must enhance circularity, waste reduction, and resource efficiency throughout their supply chains.”
Beyond fashion, addressing the waste crisis will require coordinated efforts on a global scale, he noted. Over a billion people live in informal settlements lacking adequate waste management, which poses serious health risks. Unregulated waste disposal contributes to increased pollution and threatens global biodiversity.
“Let us commit to doing our part to clean up our act and build a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone,” Mr. Guterres concluded.
Source
news.un.org