Hi everyone! Today, we will examine the environmental and health impacts of conventional dyes and chemicals used in fashion production.
Colorful clothing comes at a high price—not necessarily for our wallets, but rather for our environment. Indeed, the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of the world’s water pollution. Dyeing techniques contribute heavily to the climate crisis and pollution.
A substantial number of synthetic chemicals are used in the fashion, textile, and footwear industries to turn raw materials into final products. Not only do these chemicals pose health hazards to the people who work with them, particularly without using protective equipment—but many of them also end up in freshwater systems. I personally do not want to shower and drink polluted water daily... do you?
I know there are tons of shower filter heads out there, such as Jolie, which claim to filter out all of the chemicals in our water. I have a Jolie showerhead, and I do see differences with irritation in my skin, etc. However, do we really want to take the chance that there are still chemicals polluting our water? I certainly don't. That is why I believe the only proper solution is to make an effort to eliminate all pollutants and toxic metals from our water.
Brands and manufacturers seeking to ‘do fashion better’ should, therefore, be concerned about the amount of chemical usage in production and, where possible, transition to sustainable fiber sources and alternative natural dyes and processing methods.
Manufacturing methods and the widespread use of toxic chemicals can also be hazardous. The new aniline dyes, developed in the second half of the 19th century, created bright, low-cost colors but caused skin problems and, in some cases, an increased risk of cancer for those who worked with them. Some wearers suffered from sickness, swelling, and rashes.
The felt hatting industry was dangerous because most workshops used mercuric nitrate to speed up the felting process. Mercury can be absorbed through the lungs, skin, and stomach and stays in the body. Mercury poisoning affects the neuro-motor system, causing long-term tremors, anxiety, and irritation.
The use of toxic chemicals remains a severe issue. In 2011, the environmental charity Greenpeace called the industry into account. Its Detox campaign challenges big clothing brands to take responsibility for their supply chains' environmental impact and commit to achieving zero discharges of hazardous chemicals by 2020. Only 80 companies signed up, and progress has been made, but they represent just 15% of the global industry.
Today, designers, scientists, businesses, governments, and campaigners are coming together to develop a range of high and low-tech solutions, tested and experimental, which together have the potential to create a cleaner, greener, less wasteful industry. Instead of the take, make, dispose model of the linear manufacturing system, research focuses on circular systems, which take, make, and re-make. I cannot wait to see some positive results in our color dye industry finally.
As wearers, we can also make a difference by choosing and looking after our clothes more carefully, wearing them longer, having smaller wardrobes, recycling the clothes we no longer want, and thinking about alternatives to buying, such as swapping or renting outfits.
To reduce the environmental impact of dyes in fashion, a more
eco-friendly alternative is to dye clothes with bio-based dyes only. There are now several natural dyes based on plants, algae, and even bacteria. Natural dyes may be less flashy, but they are far more respectful of the environment. Otherwise, dyes can also be obtained from by-products such as molasses.
I even see fashion designers promoting homemade dye, made from fruits and vegetables, on TikTok. There are constantly new, innovative ways to reduce the harm our dyes are causing our bodies and the environment. I urge you to explore what you can substitute for the harmful dyes we use daily.
Stay curious! Signing off with a smile.
-Savannah
Sources:
Commenti