Saving water is in fashion
Fashion consumes water indirectly and massively. Behind every garment we wear, there is a process that uses large amounts of water: from the cultivation of natural fibers and the production of synthetic fibers to the industrial dyeing and washing of fabrics.
This water consumption may seem invisible, but it is very real and makes the textile industry one of the most water-demanding industries worldwide.
In addition, the sector can be a major polluter of water. There have been recorded cases of pollution caused by the improper management of wastewater and discharges in inappropriate places, affecting freshwater quality and ecosystems. Moreover, increasingly shorter fashion cycles and the growing population demanding more clothing and footwear worsen the problem.
Striking facts:
- A single pair of cotton jeans requires, on average, up to 10,000 liters of water to be produced (Source: Water Footprint Network). To put that figure in perspective, it is the amount of water a person drinking two liters a day would need for 13 years.
- 20% of global industrial water pollution comes from textile treatment and dyeing.
- Various global initiatives seek to reduce the environmental impact associated with cotton production worldwide. To achieve this, they research and implement farming methods that reduce water use in the process by 40%. Other textile care labeling initiatives aim to raise awareness about how to care for our clothes to save water.
Your decision matters
Saving water is in fashion. What can you do to join in?
- Choose less, choose better.
- Buy second hand clothes.
- Repair, recycle, or share garments.
- Wash dark clothes in cold water, so they wear out less and last longer.
- Whenever possible, wear organic cotton garments, which require up to 91% less water to produce compared to conventional cotton.
Every consumption decision helps reduce pressure on the planet’s freshwater and is a vote in favor of a more responsible and sustainable fashion model.