Floods, Fashion, and Us: A Call to Action

Across the globe, floods, storms, and erratic rainfall patterns have become increasingly common, with metro cities and rural areas alike bearing the brunt of this climate crisis. The rising number of floods is wreaking havoc—claiming lives, destroying livelihoods, and costing billions in infrastructure repairs. Yet, while we often focus on deforestation, climate change, or urbanization as the primary causes, there’s another significant yet often overlooked contributor—fashion.

The fashion industry, particularly fast fashion, has a profound impact on the environment, contributing to climate change, pollution, and the degradation of ecosystems, which in turn worsens the effects of floods. In this article, we’ll explore how the fashion industry contributes to these problems and the steps we need to take to reduce its environmental impact.

Fashion’s Role in Climate Change and Floods

The connection between fashion and floods lies in the industry's enormous environmental footprint. According to a 2018 report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry accounts for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The production of synthetic fibers like polyester, which is derived from fossil fuels, not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but also leads to the discharge of microplastics into waterways. These microplastics, which are shed every time synthetic garments are washed, have been shown to significantly reduce marine life and disrupt ecosystems.

The decline of marine ecosystems due to microplastic pollution is directly tied to climate change. Healthy oceans play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, absorbing approximately 30% of global CO? emissions. However, the destruction of marine ecosystems weakens this natural defense, allowing more CO? to remain in the atmosphere and intensify climate change. As the climate warms, weather patterns become more extreme, leading to more frequent and severe floods.

In addition, the accumulation of textile waste, particularly synthetic materials, over water bodies and in landfills exacerbates flood risks. Textiles waste clogs drainage systems, hinders soil absorption of floodwaters, and leads to urban flooding in densely populated metro areas. This synthetic waste does not decompose, further contributing to long-term environmental degradation.

The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion has created an illusion of affordability. While the low price tags might seem attractive, the cost-per-wear metric reveals a different story. According to a report by Vestiaire Collective , fast fashion items—due to their short lifespan and poor quality—end up being more expensive over time. Garments are worn just a handful of times before falling apart or going out of style, forcing consumers to repeatedly buy new clothes. In contrast, higher-quality, sustainably produced garments last much longer, offering better value in the long run.

The low-cost structure of fast fashion is also one of the root causes of its environmental impact. Major fast fashion brands cut corners to maintain these low prices, leaving little room for investment in sustainable practices. Instead, many resort to greenwashing, falsely marketing their products as eco-friendly while continuing unsustainable production methods. Factories are often forced to prioritize cost-cutting over sustainability, leading to poor labor conditions, excessive waste, and unchecked pollution.

India’s Role in Global Textile Recycling

While China and Bangladesh have become global leaders in garment exports, they have imposed bans on textile waste imports to safeguard their environments. Interestingly, Bangladesh, a major exporter of textile waste, also relies heavily on importing raw cotton and yarns. On the other hand, India—the world’s leader in textile recycling—has been quietly absorbing much of the world’s textile waste without gaining the global recognition it deserves. India processes millions of tons of textile waste each year, turning discarded materials into new, usable fibers.

This expertise places India in a unique position, particularly with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and other upcoming global waste management frameworks. India can leverage its leadership in recycling to emerge as a sustainable and circular garment-producing powerhouse. The Ministry Of Textiles has recognized this potential and is actively working to project India as a sustainable fashion hub. Through targeted policies, India has the opportunity to showcase its strengths in recycling and cellulose-based fabrics and lead the global charge toward a more sustainable future.

The Collective Strength of India’s MSME Sector

The combination of traditional crafts, cellulose fibers, and recycled cotton not only sets India apart from other textile-producing nations but also provides a blueprint for the future of sustainable fashion. A key player in this transition is India's MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector in textiles. The MSME sector forms the backbone of India’s textile industry, accounting for over 45% of the total textile production and employing millions of artisans, weavers, and small-scale manufacturers across the country.

The collective strength of this sector lies in its agility, rich cultural heritage, and deep-rooted expertise in traditional crafts and sustainable production methods. By harnessing the power of the MSMEs, India can create a recipe for success in positioning itself as a global fashion powerhouse. With targeted investments in technology, innovation, and circularity, the MSME sector can drive the shift towards sustainable practices, making India not just a global leader in textiles but a pioneer of conscious, circular fashion.

When India’s MSMEs, artisans, and industry stakeholders unite under a common goal, the result will be a unique blend of tradition and modernity, creating a global fashion brand that reflects the strength of Brand Bharat. This collective effort, rooted in sustainability and circularity, is India's ticket to becoming a global leader in the future of fashion.

A Focus on Cellulose Fibers and Traditional Crafts

The path forward for India lies in its rich tradition of handwoven textiles, cellulose fibers like cotton, and the craftsmanship of its artisans. While synthetic fibers dominate the global market, India’s strengths are rooted in natural, biodegradable materials such as Kasturi cotton, a sustainable initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting indigenous cotton. Cellulose-based fabrics, derived from plants, not only have a significantly lower environmental impact but also decompose naturally, unlike synthetic fibers.

At the Global Alliance For Textile Sustainability Council (GATS), we are working to reduce textile waste and make recycled cotton the cornerstone of sustainable fashion. Recycled cotton is one of the most sustainable fibers in the world, as it reduces the need for virgin materials, cuts water consumption, and minimizes environmental impact. By combining traditional Indian weaving techniques, recycled fibers, and modern sustainable practices, India has the potential to create a powerful fashion brand—Brand Bharat.

A Cherry on Top: Recycled Cotton

The cherry on top of India’s sustainable textile future is recycled cotton. By making recycled cotton the primary fiber for garment production, India can reduce its reliance on resource-heavy processes, preserve natural ecosystems, and minimize the fashion industry’s contribution to climate change. At GATS, we are working to establish India as a global leader in textile recycling and sustainable fashion, positioning the country as a responsible producer of high-quality, circular garments.

The combination of traditional crafts, cellulose fibers, and recycled cotton not only sets India apart from other textile-producing nations but also provides a blueprint for the future of sustainable fashion. This is where the world is heading—and it’s time for India to lead the way.

A Global Responsibility

As floods, storms, and other climate disasters become more frequent, the global fashion industry must take responsibility for its environmental impact. At the consumer level, education is key. Consumers must understand that cheap, fast fashion comes with a hefty environmental price tag. By choosing durable, sustainably produced garments, we can collectively reduce the demand for fast fashion and minimize its impact on the planet.

India, with its rich history of craftsmanship and its commitment to sustainability, is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in this global transformation. By focusing on recycling, promoting traditional crafts, and leveraging cellulose-based fibers, India can emerge as a world leader in circular fashion, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce the devastating effects of floods and other natural disasters.

The future of fashion—and the planet—depends on the choices we make today. Together, we can make those choices sustainable, responsible, and beneficial for both people and the planet.

For People and Planet: Your trusted source for insights on sustainability and the challenges shaping our world.

Sources:

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “Fashion and the Climate Crisis” (2018)
• Vestiaire Collective, “The True Cost of Fast Fashion: Cost-per-wear Metrics” (2022)
• McKinsey & Company, “The State of Fashion” (2017)