Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio program “Mann Ki Baat,” addressed the issue of textile waste and the global rise of fast fashion. “The trend of discarding old clothes quickly and buying new ones is increasing all over the world,” he said. “Have you ever thought about what happens to the clothes you stop wearing? They become textile waste.” The Prime Minister added, “India ranks third globally in textile waste generation. This presents a major challenge for us.”
India, home to one of the world’s largest textile industries, contributes 11% to the nation’s GDP and produces 7,800 kilotonnes of textile waste annually. Cities like Bengaluru are struggling to manage mountains of discarded textiles. Rivers such as the Noyyal in Tamil Nadu and the Bandi in Rajasthan, once vital water sources, now suffer from severe chemical pollution due to textile effluents.
This article explores the concept of sustainable fashion, emphasizing its environmental and ethical importance. It examines the links between fast fashion, animal cruelty, and ecological degradation—while also highlighting initiatives and consumer trends toward vegan and sustainable choices.
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Sustainable Fashion: A Growing Movement
Not long ago, few people questioned where their clothes came from. Today, however, awareness is growing. Consumers now ask how garments are made and what their production costs the environment. This shift is driving a surge in interest in sustainable fashion.
According to the Textile Exchange, India is the second-largest producer of organic cotton globally, accounting for 20% of global output.
Sustainable fashion refers to clothing produced with minimal environmental impact and with respect for workers’ rights. It encourages practices like recycling, renting, and extending garment life. Brands such as Anita Dongre, Fabindia, Ka-Sha, Anokhi, and Liva are leading the movement in India.
Despite these efforts, only 1% of textile waste is recycled into new clothing. If widely adopted, eco-friendly production and circular design could substantially lower the fashion industry’s carbon footprint.
The Cost of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion refers to cheaply made, trend-driven clothing designed for rapid turnover. Brands like Zara, Shein, Forever 21, and H&M dominate this model.
- Fashion accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, equal to the European Union’s output.
- 85% of textiles end up in landfills annually.
- 500,000 tons of microfibres are washed into the ocean each year—the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles.
A 2018 report by Quantis International found that the greatest pollution comes from:
- Dyeing and finishing (36%)
- Yarn preparation (28%)
- Fibre production (15%)
These processes deplete resources and rely heavily on fossil fuels. Cotton farming alone puts a major strain on freshwater resources and ecosystem health.
By 2030, textile manufacturing emissions are projected to increase by 60%, according to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The labour cost is equally grim: 80% of apparel workers are young women (ages 18–24), often exploited under harsh conditions. A U.S. Department of Labor report in 2018 found forced and child labour in fashion supply chains across several countries, including India.
Animal Cruelty in Fashion
Luxury fashion is also under scrutiny. Animals are routinely exploited for leather, wool, fur, and feathers. Billions suffer annually—skinned alive, mutilated, or confined for life.
Organizations like PETA have successfully pressured major fashion houses to adopt cruelty-free practices. However, brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès continue to use animal-derived materials.
The alternative? Vegan fashion. Modern textiles—made from hemp, bamboo, cork, mushrooms, pineapple leaves, recycled plastics, and fruit waste—are not only cruelty-free but also more durable and sustainable. Brands like Valentino and Burberry have gone fur-free, paving the way for others.
Global and Local Efforts
On March 30, 2025, the UN marked the International Day of Zero Waste, focusing on the fashion industry’s environmental toll.
In India:
- Panipat (Haryana) is emerging as a global textile recycling hub.
- Bengaluru is pioneering tech-based waste collection, managing over half of the city’s textile waste.
- Tirupur (Tamil Nadu) is investing in wastewater treatment and renewable energy in textile production.
- The Better Cotton Initiative includes over 2,100 members, like H&M and IKEA.
- India recycles nearly 60% of its textile waste.
- Programs like SUIT (Sustainable Fashion and Indian Textiles) and the Handloom and Handicrafts Development Programme support eco-conscious industry practices.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted grassroots efforts: “Many youth are contributing to sustainable fashion—recycling clothes and shoes for the needy, and creating handbags, toys, and decor from textile waste.”
The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest and most polluting. Fast fashion is unsustainable—economically, ethically, and environmentally. Shifting to sustainable fashion can reduce waste, conserve biodiversity, and end unnecessary cruelty. With informed choices and industry-wide reform, change is not only possible—it’s urgent.