Textile production is one of the largest sources of environmental pollution and is currently responsible for 10% of carbon dioxide emissions. It drains water sources and pollutes rivers and streams. It is widely believed that the garment industry is the world’s second largest polluter, after the oil industry. We buy more and throw clothes away more often. The “buy-use-throw” model leads to waste, and the rapid mass production of clothes stimulates a culture of use and disposal. Instead of repairing, we wear them once, then throw away and buy new ones. We have forgotten how to care for our things. As much as 85% of all textiles are landfilled or incinerated annually, and only 15% is recycled or resold. What price will we have to pay for satisfying the need for ownership? 

Monika Dalach