Textile production is one of the main pollution sources worldwide, with 2-20% of its dye-containing effluents being discharged into water sources, which is detrimental to both the environment and human lives. On the one hand, textile dyes are synthetic chemical compounds with pigments that pollute the aquatic environment. On the other hand, the by-products formed when the dyes decompose are hazardous, mutagenic, or carcinogenic to living things, primarily due to carcinogens like naphthalene, benzidine, and other aromatic compositions. Those chemicals and toxins also pose high health risks to humans, such as skin irritations, disturbance of blood formation, and damage to DNA. By opting for sustainable fashion brands that use organic materials, minimize their usage of dyes, and have proper waste management, we can reduce our exposure to harmful compounds found in conventional textiles and thus enhance our health status.
Furthermore, sustainable clothing improves air quality by reducing the disposal of fast fashion garments and emissions of pollutants, including acidic gases, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, during the energy-intensive production processes that require high volumes of crude oil, leading to decreased aggravated respiratory diseases and improved health. Choosing clothing made from recyclable materials or second-hand clothes also helps reduce wastage of natural resources, deforestation, and landfill pollution, contributing to a cleaner, more resilient, and healthier environment and hence improving our overall well-being.
References:
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Zaharia C, Suteu D, Muresan A, Muresan R, Popescu A. Textile Wastewater Treatment by Homogeneous Oxidation with Hydrogen Peroxide. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal. 2009;8(6):1359-1369. doi:https://doi.org/10.30638/eemj.2009.199
Carmen Z, Daniela S. Textile Organic Dyes – Characteristics, Polluting Effects and Separation/Elimination Procedures from Industrial Effluents -A Critical Overview. Accessed November 9, 2023. https://www.flagshipdhaka.com/water-waste-water/ecr/pdf/22.pdf
Rukhaya S, Yadav S, Rose NM, Grover A, Bisht D. Sustainable approach to counter the environmental impact of fast fashion. The Pharma Innovation Journal. 2021;10(8S):517-523. Accessed October 22, 2021. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/special-issue?year=2021&vol=10&issue=8S&ArticleId=7336
Zahid NM, Khan J, Tao M. Exploring Mindful Consumption, Ego Involvement, And Social Norms Influencing Second-hand Clothing Purchase. Current Psychology. 2022;42(16). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02657-9