The negative impact of the fashion industry on the self-esteem of both men and women has been known for many years; however, little is known about the effects that this industry produces on nature and people’s health.
Detox, a campaign launched by Greenpeace, has carried out a series of studies that show that clothes from companies such as American Apparel, Burberry, GAP, Puma, C&A or Nike acquire certain chemicals during the textile coloring process. These chemicals cause both negative effects on the immune, hormonal and reproductive systems, as well as the contamination of aquifers, such as rivers, where the waste from textile factories flows, and in the water supply when washing clothes.
Among the most commonly used toxic chemicals are perfluorate, phthalates, nonylphenol, nonylphenol ethoxylate, and cadmium. All of them are associated with the development of autoimmune diseases such as cancer.
This campaign aims to get companies like Zara and H&M to sign their responsibility agreement with the planet and the health of their consumers. As does the Prato textile district, an Italian region that supplies brands like Gucci, Prada and Armani.
Currently, 20 companies in Prato have joined Greenpeace’s Detox campaign by removing toxic chemicals from their factories. Even the Confindustria Toscana Nord, the maximum representation of the largest textile district in Europe, assured that great positive changes are being made in the world of fashion. By investing in resources that track progress and ensure transparency, action plans are being made that fully detoxify wellness products for both the environment and consumers.
While as a responsible consumer, we share some options to take care of your health and the future of the environment:
Share information on different social networks. She even proposes to take pictures with unbranded clothes, posting it on Instagram with hashtags like #detox.
Buy second-hand clothes, or “green clothes” (one that is made with recycled material or with natural paints)
Focus on quality: from the seams to the buttons; As for the shoes, check how well the sole is glued on.
Mend your own clothes instead of changing them. Redesign clothes just by changing buttons, turning dresses into skirts, pants into shorts, and more.
Remember that the planet belongs to everyone, so we need global support to keep it the way we want.
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Toxic in my clothes? See what Greenpeace has to say about it
This campaign on toxic-free clothing has provoked reactions from brands
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