The event, observed on 30 March every year, aims to cast a spotlight on the environmental and social repercussions stemming from the industry’s tendency towards mass production and consumption. The day will be observed throughout March until 7 April.
The theme for the day, “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles,” underscores the need for systemic change to mitigate these challenges. It is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), alongside the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
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UNEP executive director Inger Andersen said: “Unsustainable fashion is aggravating the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
“We need to focus on a circular economy approach that values sustainable production, reuse and repair. By working together, consumers, industry and governments can support genuinely durable fashion and help reduce our fashion footprint.”
According to the UN, humanity produces approximately 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste, from food scraps to electronic devices to textiles annually.
The fashion industry alone contributes 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, which is equivalent to a garbage truck full of clothes being discarded or burned every single second.
Between 2000 and 2015, clothing production saw a twofold increase while the lifespan of garments decreased by 36%.
The fashion and textiles industry is also said to be responsible for an estimated 2–8% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and contributes 9% of annual microplastic pollution in our oceans.
The industry consumes 215 trillion litres of water and relies on around 15,000 chemicals during textile manufacturing, some of which persist in our environment for extended periods.
In recognition of these pressing issues, the UN General Assembly passed the resolution “Promoting zero-waste initiatives to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” during its 77th session.
UN-Habitat executive director Anacláudia Rossbach said: “The rising tide of waste is straining urban infrastructure, public health, and the environment—especially for 1.1 billion people in informal settlements and slums with limited waste collection and sanitation services.
“We are committed to building a future where waste is no longer a problem but a resource.”
