Fashionopolis: Why What We Wear Matters

Fashionopolis is a 2019 documentary film that explores the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. The film follows the lives of several people who are working to change the way we think about and consume fashion.

Fashionopolis: Why What We Wear Matters

by Dana Thomas

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11749 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages

FREE

The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It is responsible for 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, 20% of industrial water pollution, and 25% of global chemical use.

The production of a single cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water, enough to fill 10 bathtubs. The dyeing and finishing of textiles uses vast amounts of toxic chemicals, which are often dumped into rivers and streams.

The fashion industry is also a major contributor to climate change. The production of synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The transportation of clothing around the globe also contributes to carbon emissions.

The Social Impact of the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is also a major social justice issue. The workers who make our clothes are often paid poverty wages and work in dangerous conditions. Many of these workers are women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

The fashion industry also perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards, which can lead to body image issues and eating disorders. The industry also promotes a culture of consumerism, which can lead to financial problems.

What Can We Do?

There are a number of things we can do to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry.

• Buy less clothing. The average American buys 68 garments per year, and only wears 20% of them. Try to buy fewer items, and choose items that you will wear for a long time.
• Choose sustainable materials. When you do buy clothing, choose items made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo. These materials are less harmful to the environment than synthetic fibers.
• Buy from ethical brands. Look for brands that are committed to environmental sustainability and social justice. These brands often use sustainable materials, pay their workers fair wages, and work to reduce their carbon emissions.
• Take care of your clothing. Wash your clothes less frequently, and use cold water and gentle detergents. This will help your clothes last longer, and reduce the environmental impact of your laundry.
• Donate or recycle your old clothing. When you are finished with your clothing, donate it to a local charity or recycle it. This will help to reduce the waste generated by the fashion industry.

The fashion industry is a major polluter of the environment and a major contributor to social injustice. However, there are a number of things we can do to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. By buying less clothing, choosing sustainable materials, buying from ethical brands, taking care of our clothing, and donating or recycling our old clothing, we can help to create a more sustainable and just fashion industry.

Fashionopolis: Why What We Wear Matters

by Dana Thomas

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11749 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages

FREE