"Dear fashion market, we need to talk..."
The global textile market is, unfortunately, a real problem. Environmentally more than questionable, terrible working conditions, overexploitation of everything. And unfortunately, far too many consumers contribute to this. High time for a revolution.
The textile industry in its current form produces as much "greenhouse gas" each year as the economies of Germany, France, and Great Britain - combined (McKinsey, "Fashion on Climate", 2020). And what is all this for? Estimates suggest that of the approximately 100 trillion textiles produced each year, 40-50% are never sold - and about 40% of all sold textiles "live" for only one year. To put it mildly, this is madness - also commonly described as "fast fashion" - which is only possible because it ignores the actual costs of production and insane consumption.
Workers in numerous factories around the world - not just in Asia - have to endure unfair working conditions, workplace violence, withholding of breaks, food, and wages. The conditions under which conventional cotton is grown almost always border on overexploitation - and often cross that line. And for what? So that T-shirts that are never worn end up cheaply in our wardrobes - see above.
Does it all make no sense? We think so too! Every shopping list is a ballot. Do it right. When buying, look for certifications like OekoTex and Fair Wear - that would be a start. The full program is then available at RETTER.
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