Here in the West, we don’t necessarily have to associate these words with each other. But water and toxins are unfortunately linked in other parts of the world. In Brazil, the world’s fourth most prominent user of agrochemicals, researchers have found traces of 12 insecticides in rainwater. We use these insecticides in cotton cultivation. Similar studies with similar results have been carried out in lakes and rivers in Africa and the US [1]. These toxins harm insects and all living things, from plants to animals and thus to humans.
Of course, it’s easy to think that India and Brazil are so far away that it doesn’t affect us. Are we really affected by their toxins? Actually, yes. The same toxins from India’s rivers have been found inside polar bears at the North Pole [2]. But doesn’t the soil absorb the toxins and neutralize them? Indeed, many toxins are neutralized or broken down, but not all. In cases where degradation occurs, it still takes a long time, and during this time, the toxins have had time to affect nature.
Most of the time, we look for the negative reports of how the earth is doing. Global warming is a crucial matter. Somehow, the textile industry has escaped the limelight regarding carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, the textile industry accounts for about 6.7% [3] of carbon dioxide emissions, as much as air and boat traffic combined [4].
So what can we do about it? Quite a lot. By rethinking, we can make a big impact. We can buy clothes that are made with a holistic approach, with an understanding of what happens next. Above all, you want to make an impact and understand what that extra piece of clothing means for nature and our ecosystem. Instead, spend the money on experiences, a movie, a coffee, or a concert ticket.
The world is fantastic; go out and experience it!
Sources
- Environmental Justice foundation – The deadly chemicals in cotton. In collaboration with Pesticide Action Network UK
- RIVERBLUE travels around the world to uncover the dirty secret behind how are clothes are made.
- Quantis 2018 – Environmental Impact of the Global Apparel and Footwear Industries Study
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation – A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future.
