Fashion Giants Under Fire: In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, major brands like Adidas and Walmart find themselves in the spotlight, facing accusations of environmental negligence. A recent report by The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) sheds light on a concerning practice: the use of waste from renowned international brands to fuel kilns in Cambodian brick factories.
The LICADHO report, based on on-site visits and worker interviews, revealed that at least 19 international brands, including Adidas and Walmart, have their pre-consumer garment wasteconsisting of fabric, plastic, rubber, and other materialsburned at Cambodian brick factories. The motive behind this practice is to reduce fuel costs for these factories. However, the report suggests that this method is causing adverse effects on the workers and the environment.
Workers reported health issues such as headaches and respiratory problems linked to the burning of garment waste. The report raises concerns about the toxic substances released during the combustion process, including dioxins, known to be carcinogenic. Burning garment waste without careful management of combustion conditions can potentially pose serious health risks.
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Brands implicated in the LICADHO report include Adidas, Walmart, Primark, Lidl, and others. Many of these brands have initiated investigations into the matter. Adidas, for instance, is examining if waste is being diverted to unauthorized disposal routes. The company’s environmental policies in Cambodia state that waste must be disposed of either at approved waste-to-energy plants with proper regulation or government-licensed recycling centers.
The broader implications of this revelation extend beyond individual brands to the broader fashion industry. It underscores the need for robust waste management practices and ethical considerations in the supply chain. As investigations unfold, the industry faces a pivotal moment where sustainability practices and environmental responsibility take center stage. The challenge lies not only in rectifying current practices but also in redefining the industry’s approach to waste and its impact on both workers and the planet.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who are the Shein copying designers?
Three designers, Krista Perry, Larissa Martinez, and Jay Baron, recently filed a lawsuit in the US against Shein. They claim that Shein has been selling “exact copies” of their work, and that this is a common practice for the company. The designers believe that this is a part of Shein’s “design” process and is ingrained in the company’s organizational DNA.
What is the Shein controversy?
Shein has been embroiled in a series of controversies, with accusations ranging from stealing designs to exploiting a loophole in import tax laws. The brand has been hit with a racketeering lawsuit by artists who claim their designs were stolen. Additionally, lawmakers have called for an investigation into allegations of forced labor. These issues have raised concerns about the brand’s ethical practices and have led to increased scrutiny from consumers and lawmakers alike.
Why is the fashion industry so unsustainable?
The fashion industry is responsible for a staggering 10% of the world’s carbon emissions, while also depleting water sources and contaminating rivers and streams. Shockingly, a whopping 85% of all textiles end up in landfills each year (UNECE, 2018), and washing certain fabrics releases harmful microplastics into the ocean. It’s clear that the fashion industry needs to take urgent action to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
Is fast fashion bad for the environment?
Despite its popularity, fast fashion has a major impact on the environment. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that the industry is the second-largest user of water and contributes to approximately 10% of global carbon emissions. Shockingly, this is more than the combined emissions of international flights and maritime shipping. It’s clear that the fast fashion industry needs to take responsibility for its impact on the planet and make changes to reduce its environmental footprint.