Landfills: How Fast Fashion Contributes to Our Climate Crisis

Fast fashion is garments produced as “fast” as possible to sell high fashion looks to consumers for low prices.

Generations of consumers growing up believing in fast fashion, that clothes can be worn a couple of times and thrown away, is now having a catastrophic effect on the planet. Excess from the fashion industry, which manufactures clothing to discard, needs to be addressed as the literal mountains of textile waste fill up our landfills.

Fashion is an essential ecological topic for us to understand, so let’s sit down and have a chat about it and work out how we can collectively reverse the effects on our planetary home. 

What You Need To Know

We were shocked when we looked into this issue, and we want you to know what we found. Let’s look at the stats on the clothing industry that make it one of the most wasteful in the world:

• In 2018 approximately 17 million tons of textiles were manufactured, 3.2 million tons combusted, and 11.3 million tons found their way into landfills in the US alone. Only 2.5 million tons were recycled.
• 95% of textiles globally can be recycled. However, 73% either end up in landfills or burnt.
• Approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are created annually across the globe, which adds up to a rubbish truck full of clothes dumped at landfills every second.
• Across the world, the fashion industry is indirectly responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, with textile production releasing approximately 1.2 billion tons of that.
• In the UK alone, more than two tonnes of clothing are purchased every minute, with 56 million tons bought globally every year.

And even with these astonishing facts, the clothing industry manufactures more clothing than they sell annually, with some brands burning their excess rather than pursuing recycling options. 

Most clothes will last for years, but with the constant pressure on the consumer to buy, buy, buy, and be fashionable, our throwaway consumer culture is out of control.

Our beautiful Earth is paying the price, and we are not noticing. It is time for us to take control of this monster and engage in ethical, regenerative, and sustainable recycling initiatives. 

How You Can Help Reduce Textile Waste

Okay, now we can see what is happening, let’s look at how you, a regular community member, can take positive actions now. Together we can start rolling back this massive waste problem because it is only going to get bigger if we don’t do anything:

• Buying Power: Demonstrate your commitment to reducing clothing industry waste by only buying from responsible brands, retailers, and outlets.

• Zero Waste: Preloved clothing is a zero waste solution, and regardless of your geographical location, there is bound to be a secondhand clothing store in your vicinity. And, given that people donate on average after wearing a garment seven times, you will find some amazing options.

• Upcycle Fashion: Repair and reuse clothing showing signs of wear. Or transform it into a new garment with the help of your imagination.

• Recycle: As more companies are becoming aware of the waste in the fashion industry, they are creating recycling programs that you can participate in.

Take Action

There are a lot of people already doing great work. We aim to highlight what they are doing and encourage you to learn more and get involved:

Ellen Macarthur Foundation on building a circular economy.

The THREDUP Circular Fashion Fund supports a sustainable fashion future.

Fashion Revolution the world’s largest fashion activism movement.

Textile Exchange a global community of major brands, suppliers, and retailers to positively impact the climate collectively.

Contact Us to Join the TERUM Social Network

Do you want to know more? Do you want to join a network of change-makers dedicated to halting climate change and creating a socially and financially equitable world? Contact us and get started. Everyone is capable of making a difference.