Why Is Sustainable Fashion an Issue? Facts From UNEP

Fashion has a large environmental footprint, which is why sustainability matters. These figures come from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), whose article dates from 2019 with some statistics updated in 2024.

Emissions and water

UNEP says the fashion industry generates 2 to 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes the equivalent of 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools of water.

Waste and microplastics

• Every second, a garbage truck’s worth of textiles is landfilled or incinerated.
• About 60 percent of material made into clothing is plastic, such as polyester, acrylic and nylon.
• Clothing fibres account for an estimated 9 percent of microplastic losses into the oceans.

What shoppers can do

UNEP describes washing-machine filters, washing bags that reduce microfibre release and coatings that reduce shedding. Buying fewer, better-made pieces and caring for them well also reduces waste.

Figures are from UNEP and may be revised.

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