Fast fashion—the constant supply of new styles at very low prices—has caused a huge increase in the amount of clothing produced and discarded. The impact of this behavior on the environment is highly negative. Textile production uses large amounts of water, as well as land to grow cotton and other fibers. It is estimated that the global textile and garment industry used 79 billion cubic meters of water in 2015, while the needs of the entire EU economy reached 266 billion cubic meters in 2017.
To produce a single cotton T‑shirt, estimates indicate that 2,700 liters of fresh water are needed—the amount of water a person drinks in two and a half years.
According to estimates, textile production—through dyes and finishing products—is responsible for approximately 20% of global drinking‑water pollution. Washing synthetic materials generates around 0.5 million tons of microfibers each year, which end up in the oceans. Washing synthetic clothing accounts for 35% of the primary microplastics released into the environment. A single load of polyester clothing can release 700,000 microplastic fibers that may enter the food chain.
It is also estimated that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions—more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. According to the European Environment Agency, textile purchases in the EU in 2017 generated around 654 kg of CO₂ emissions per person.
From a social perspective, it is estimated that 75 million people worldwide work to produce the garments we wear. For example, textile workers—mostly women—in Bangladesh earn approximately 96 dollars per month. The country’s Wage Board has stated that, for a textile worker to live a dignified life with basic comforts, they would need to earn three and a half times that amount.
A 2018 report by the U.S. Department of Labor found evidence of children performing forced labor for the textile industry in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, and Vietnam, among other countries.
To address the environmental impact, the EU aims to accelerate the transition toward a circular economy. Within this framework, the University of Valencia encourages you to consume as few textile products as possible—or, if you do purchase them, to choose sustainable options.
Specific recommendations
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Less is more. The less clothing you consume, the better for the planet and its inhabitants.
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Buy second‑hand clothing. Give a second life to garments others no longer want, and do the same with yours.
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Repair your own clothes and give them your personal style. Many shops can help you if you don’t know how to sew.
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Exchange clothing with friends or family.
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Check labels. If you buy new clothing or textiles, make sure they come from organic cotton, are locally produced, or are fair‑trade.
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Choose sustainable brands. Section 8 of this guide offers concrete responsible‑consumption options for clothing in the Valencian Community.
Certifications involved
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The leading textile‑processing standard for organic fibers. GOTS certification verifies every step of the supply chain—from harvesting to production, processing, manufacturing, and labeling. It also considers environmental management and social responsibility. GOTS is the gold standard for sustainable processing of textiles made from organically grown fibers (such as cotton or wool).
Organic Content Standard (OCS)
OCS certification ensures that a final product contains the precise amount of a specific organic material. It verifies the presence and quantity of organic content and provides a solid chain‑of‑custody system from the origin of the organic raw material to the final product.
Sustainable fashion options
Ethical Time A web portal where you can find proposals for clothing and textile products made with respect for human rights and nature. In our region, here are some highlighted shops offering sustainable fashion:
A TREND
Organic clothing
TOTO BY COSTUREO
Ethical children’s clothing
https://www.costureo.es/tienda/
SOWA
Upcycled bags
GREGAL ECODESIGN
Mediterranean clothing
VESICA PISCIS
Shoes, boots, sandals
https://vesicapiscisfootwear.com/es
MADAME DYNAMITE
Swing shoes
