"The fast fashion industry is responsible for over 20% of global industrial water pollution due to the toxic chemicals used in dyeing and finishing fabrics. These substances don’t just fade from clothes; they leach into our rivers and, eventually, into our bodies. Studies have linked these chemicals to cancer, infertility, and a range of developmental disorders. Simply washing fast fashion garments adds to the crisis. Every year, an estimated 500,000 tons of microfibers, equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles, are released into our oceans from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that a staggering 35% of all microplastics in the ocean come from laundering synthetic textiles. These tiny particles don’t break down. Instead, they enter the food chain, making their way into the seafood we eat and the water we drink."—James Lam
The Devastating Effects of Fast Fashion on Water Pollution >
https://www.seasidesustainability.org/post/microbial-bioremediation-techniques-for-oil-spills-addressing-oil-contamination-1-1-3
#fast_fashion #laundering #microplastics #sea #pollution #oceans #synthetic_fabrics #seafood #drinks #water #industries #profit #capitalism