T: Toxics

High levels of toxic phthalates, several cancer-causing amines and plenty of NPEs. That’s what Greenpeace found in a 2012 investigation of 141 clothing items produced by 20 well-known fashion brands. Hazardous substances were found in just under two-thirds of all garments tested. These include items sold in Europe by Zara, H&M, Mango, C&A, Armani, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, Diesel and Levi’s.

The hazardous chemicals found by Greenpeace – not only in this recent report but also in a previous investigation – pose a clear threat to the environment. Because so many garments are made each year – a staggering 80 billion world-wide – the apparently small quantities of a hazardous chemical such as NPEs, which in the European Union are legally allowed in clothing, cumulatively amount to the widespread dispersal of damaging chemicals across the planet. In rivers and lakes, these chemicals can accumulate in sediments and build up in the food chain, in fish and other wildlife. This happens not only in textile producing countries, but also – as a result of consumers washing these clothes – close to our homes.

For the past few years, Greenpeace has urged a number of well-known brands to commit to Zero Discharge of hazardous chemicals by 1 January 2020. Amongst others Puma, Nike, Adidas, H&M and C&A have already made this commitment.

In 2012, Greenpeace has also launched worldwide consumer campaigns, asking fashionistas, customers and activists to put pressure on amongst others Zara to put an end to the use of hazardous chemicals. Within 48 hours after its start, over 200.000 consumers had signed the petition urging Zara – which, because of the sheer size and scale of its production, could be a true catalyst for wider change within the clothing industry – to commit to the Zero Discharge joint roadmap.

And there’s more that we can do. Greenpeace recommends buying fewer new clothes, asking brands to act responsibly with respect to planet and people, and demanding governments to restrict the sales and import of products containing hazardous chemicals. Does that sound like a whole lot of work to do? Just start with coveting your current wardrobe and buying secondhand clothes, and take it from there. And rest assured that Greenpeace will keep the issue of toxics high on the agenda in the fashion industry.