THE ENVIRONMENTAL COST OF FASHION – Consumers Association Penang

The true cost of fashion is more than what’s on the price tag – it lingers in pollution, water waste, and emissions.

Between 2000 and 2015, clothing production had doubled. It is estimated that 92 million tonnes of textile waste is generated worldwide each year. This is equivalent to a truckload of clothing being incinerated or sent to landfills every second.

Fashion shouldn’t come at the Earth’s expense. It’s time for solutions that put people and the planet first.

This year’s (30 March 2025) International Day of Zero Waste theme, “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles”, focuses on the urgent need to take action to reduce the waste impact from the fashion and textile sector and promote sustainability and circularity.

Achieving zero waste requires active contributions from governments, industry, and consumers. Let’s #BeatWastePollution this #ZeroWasteDay and every day.

Source: UN Environment Programme