In the fashion world, where trends change faster than the seasons, there’s a hidden problem affecting the earth. Surprisingly, the fashion industry and soil degradation share an intricate link, posing a significant threat to both humans and the environment.
Fashion’s constant desire for new designs and the demand for cheap, fast fashion have led to the proliferation of monoculture farming. Cotton is a big part of this problem. Large-scale cotton farming uses a lot of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, which harm the soil by taking away essential nutrients. This kind of farming also makes the soil weaker, making it easier for erosion to happen.
In addition, large-scale grazing practices, especially in regions known for cashmere or wool production, can lead to the removal of protective vegetation, making the soil more prone to erosion.
Soil degradation is a big deal because healthy soil is needed for growing food, filtering water, and trapping carbon. The fashion industry impacts soil health not only through cotton farming but also through the use of harmful chemicals in dyeing and finishing processes. These chemicals can leak into the soil, causing harm to local environments and communities.
As soil degradation progresses, it jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers and threatens global food security. Degraded soil is less capable of retaining water, leading to increased vulnerability to droughts. The loss of arable land limits the capacity to grow essential crops, affecting the supply chain and ultimately impacting human populations worldwide.
To fix this problem, the fashion industry can start using more eco-friendly and sustainable farming methods. This means using fewer harmful chemicals and supporting circular fashion practices.
Consumers can also make a difference by choosing sustainable fashion options and supporting brands that care about the environment.
SANE standard helps consumers to identify products that have a minimal impact on soil degradation.
Copy partner: Sustain Your Style
Picture: photomix