Hudd, A., Dr. (2022, February 26). Dyeing for fashion: Why the clothes industry
is causing 20% of water pollution. Euronews.com. Retrieved August 28, 2022,
from https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/02/26/
dyeing-for-fashion-why-the-fashion-industry-is-causing-20-of-water-pollution
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world. Using huge amounts of energy and water it adds up to 10% of global co2 emissions. The dying of textiles is commonly overlooked. Clothes are dyed through industrial dye and huge chemical baths. Dyeing contributes to 20% of global water pollution. The wastewater from dyeing is used to irrigate fields in some areas like China,Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia. It is also dangerous to work in dyeing factories because the chemicals are often toxic to inhale and could result in death.
There is a huge threat when it comes to dyeing textiles. It is commonly overlooked and not even thought of and contributes to water waste pollution yet again. It also works towards the insane amount of water consumption in the textile industry and pollutes waters with dangerous chemicals. I think most people are way in over their heads when it comes to the topic of the textiles industry’s impact on the environment. I know I wouldn’t even think that half of these issues would incorporate into the environment’s pollution problem on top of overconsumption throughout the world. This article amplifies the smaller things that end up making a huge impact on our environment and how it can put our living organisms in so much danger.
It’s interesting to think that such a large amount of waste water comes from dyeing clothes. Is there anyway to reduce waste in the actual dye or source it more eco friendly?
We can definitely make it more eco friendly by screening dyes for chemicals or using follow up natural dyes sourced from fruits also surprisingly types of marine life, and bacteria.
I really had no idea the fashion industry was so harmful. Given, I knew about fast fashion and such, I wasn’t aware it was a wider issue. What else do you think we could use for dye? Fruits? Oils?
We can definitely use fruits for dye im not sure about oils though. However, there is dye that can be extracted from algae and marine life such as starfish and sea urchins.
I agree with you that this is a very tough issue. How do you think we can get people to accept losing things they like — such as certain colored dies — for the greater good of the planet?
We can definitely explain the consequences the effects of its pollution and point to other ideas such as more similarly dyed clothing that are completely environmentally.
I’m surprised that a lot of water is used in process of dyeing clothing. Is there a way to make the process more eco friendly or to make the workers environments more safe?
The process can be made more eco friendly by using dyes without chemicals which will also ensure safety for workers.