Jeans, a timeless wardrobe staple, may come at a hidden cost to the environment, according to a new study by researchers at Guangdong University of Technology. Their findings revealed a major environmental impact associated with jeans, particularly those produced by the fast-fashion industry. Here’s the full story.
The Results of the Study
A single pair of fast-fashion jeans, according to the study, can generate a staggering 2.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, equivalent to the emissions produced by driving 6.4 miles in a gasoline-powered vehicle.
The Test
The research, which examined the entire life cycle of a pair of Levi’s jeans from cotton cultivation to disposal, highlighted the significant environmental impact of fast fashion on our planet.
Environmental Cost of Clothing
Dr. Ya Zhou, leading the charge on a new study, shared insights on the surprising environmental cost of our clothing. “Even something as basic as a pair of jeans can seriously affect the environment,” said Dr. Zhou.
Carbon Footprint of Jeans
The study focused on the difference between “fast-fashion” jeans and their more conventional counterparts. Here’s the kicker: fast-fashion jeans, typically worn just seven times before being tossed, were found to have a whopping 11 times the carbon footprint of jeans worn for years.
The Reasons
Researchers compared the lifecycle of each type of jeans, from speeding through production to ending up in landfills. They discovered that the quick turnaround and disposable nature of fast fashion is the real culprit. The combination of speedy production, long-distance transport, and mountains of discarded denim adds up to a massive 95-99% higher carbon footprint for those trendy jeans.
The Problems of Overconsumption
Dr. Zhou explained that changing fashion trends drive overconsumption, leading people to purchase clothing frequently and discard it after short periods to keep up with the latest styles. This accelerated consumption pattern significantly increases resource and energy consumption in the clothing industry, worsening its impact on climate change.
The Effects of Shipping
Also, a big chunk of the pollution caused by fast fashion comes from making and shipping those jeans you love. Dr. Zhou pointed out that fast fashion companies prioritize getting clothes to you quickly, which means planes instead of ships, leading to more emissions.
Washing and Drying
Surprisingly, even though washing and drying your jeans doesn’t take much energy, it still adds up. Fast-fashion jeans can pump out 2.5 kilograms of CO2 every time you wear them. That’s almost half (48%) of the total carbon footprint of your jeans, coming from all the washing, drying, and ironing you do.
The Industry Growth
The study also shared that the fast-fashion sector’s exponential growth, projected to reach $95 billion globally by 2030, intensifies its environmental impact. Rapid fashion brands release new collections 25 times faster than traditional fashion brands, leading to shorter fashion cycles and hyperconsumption.
Pursuit of New Trends
The study added that this relentless pursuit of new trends results in massive amounts of waste and pollutants, with the fashion sector annually producing 92 million tons of garbage and contributing 10% of global emissions.
The Solution
So how do we stop this fashion frenzy from wrecking the planet? The study shared that there’s a way out, and it involves slowing things down. Instead of buying new clothes all the time, consider giving second-hand stores a try.
Things Are Changing
Dr. Zhou concluded by sharing that the trend is catching on, especially with younger generations in China who are more environmentally conscious. In fact, studies show that jeans sold secondhand get worn an average of 127 times in their lifetime. Renting can cut your carbon footprint per wear by 89%.
Share Your Thoughts
So what do you think? How can consumers balance their desire for trendy clothing with the need to reduce carbon emissions and environmental degradation?
