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Fashion United
09-05-2025
- Health
- Fashion United
"Let Them Be Naked" documentary lifts veil on chemical risks in clothing
As pressure mounts on the fashion industry to confront its environmental and health impacts, designer Jeff Garner is offering a personal—and urgent—call to action. His award-winning documentary Let Them Be Naked will stream globally for the first time this Mother's Day weekend (8–11 May), in memory of his mother, Peggy Lynn Garner, whose death from cancer he links to the synthetic toxins commonly found in everyday clothing. Presented by Earth Conscious Life and backed by Suzy Amis Cameron's Inside Out LLC, the documentary provides a rare and provocative examination of the hidden chemicals used in global garment production. It arrives at a moment of heightened scrutiny for the industry, as regulators, scientists, and sustainability advocates demand greater transparency and accountability in the lifecycle of fashion products. A designer's personal loss, an industry's moral crisis Garner, who has been designing sustainable fashion since 2002, began his investigation after losing his mother in 2019 to breast cancer. 'This is a gift to all the mothers who deserve to know what lies in their clothing,' said Garner in a statement ahead of the preview. 'No mother should suffer from the unknown carcinogenic toxins found in their bra or underwear.' Let Them Be Naked—a title referencing the unfiltered truth behind what we wear—was filmed over the course of 2023, following Garner and his small crew across continents as they uncovered the underreported health risks associated with synthetic fibres and industrial dyes. The documentary builds on the designer's earlier Let Them Be Naked handbook, which compiles scientific studies linking textile chemicals to skin absorption and long-term health risks. One cited 2018 study from Sweden and Italy found that benzothiazole, a chemical present in many garments, can leach through skin and into the body. Other research suggests that up to 37% of toxic chemicals in clothing may be absorbed dermally—a figure that rises with sweat and friction, conditions common in daily wear. Growing scientific and institutional alarm The film's release coincides with a global pivot toward stricter environmental governance in fashion. In April, the United Nations dedicated its International Day of Zero Waste to the fashion industry, warning that 'unless we accelerate action, dressing to kill could kill the planet.' The UN highlighted the use of thousands of chemicals in textile production—many of which are harmful to human and ecological health—as a pressing threat. This growing international awareness has exposed the fashion industry's long-standing complacency on chemical safety. For decades, consumer safety and health impacts have remained secondary to cost and aesthetics in the global supply chain. While some luxury houses and independent designers have begun to invest in sustainable alternatives, meaningful systemic reform remains slow. A call for clean clothing and consumer awareness Garner's mission now centres on public education. Through his film, he hopes to ignite a consumer-led movement toward nontoxic fashion. His own practice, Prophetik, has long used natural fibres such as hemp and plant-based dyes grown on his Tennessee farm—approaches that were once niche but are now gaining traction among climate-conscious designers. The documentary is also a rare example of fashion intersecting with legislative advocacy. Garner and his collaborators—including Amis Cameron's Inside Out, a platform for regenerative design and living—aim to press for tighter regulation of chemical use in clothing manufacturing. Their goal is not only to inform, but to catalyse change at both consumer and policy levels. For an industry that has built its empire on aesthetics, Let Them Be Naked asks a more uncomfortable question: what lies beneath the fabric? As the fashion sector repositions itself in an era of climate and health awareness, Garner's documentary stands as both memorial and manifesto—a call to strip away the sheen and confront the chemical truths stitched into the seams. Jeff Garner's Let Them Be Naked will stream globally from 8–11 May via presented by Earth Conscious Life and supported by Inside Out LLC. Peggy Lynn Garner with Jeff and sister Melissa (clothing designed by Peggy) Credits: Courtesy Inside Out LLC and IO Media
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
World leader issues dire warning over the dangerous impacts of $150 billion industry: 'We need accountability'
Fast fashion just won't slow down. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently called for major upheaval in the textile industry, calling attention to its unthinkable amounts of toxic waste. Guterres addressed the U.N. General Assembly for the International Day of Zero Waste, observed on March 30. During his speech, he pointed out the numerous problems textile waste poses, saying, "Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals — many of them harmful. … Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill." He blamed irresponsible clothing companies for the waste, saying they "prioritize newness, speed, and disposability" over crafting long-lasting, more sustainable garments. Guterres concluded his speech by posing transparency, circularity, and waste reduction as viable business solutions. The fast fashion industry is a sneaky contributor to pollution. When you think of "plastic waste," single-use water bottles or sandwich bags probably come to mind. While you wouldn't be wrong, clothing is actually way higher up on the list than you might think. According to the U.N., the textile industry is the third-biggest contributor to global plastic waste, adding about 11% each year. And it stands to reason that fast fashion's poor-quality clothing, sold to briefly meet ever-changing trends, is by far the most egregious of this waste. The simple fact is that sustainability is not built into many clothing companies' business models. About half of textile waste is simply shipped to landfills in the Global South, where it pollutes the water and soil with chemicals as it decomposes. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's more, some companies maintain these irresponsible policies while claiming to do otherwise. This practice is called "greenwashing," and it's used to trick consumers into supporting brands that don't have their best interests at heart. As Guterres said in his address, "There is no space for greenwashing. … We need accountability for corporate sustainability commitments." Though the problem is immense — the fast fashion industry is worth over $150 billion and counting — the fight is far from over. For example, Shein is currently at the center of an investigation over its business practices. There's also a U.N. Plastics Treaty in the works, which Guterres mentioned at the end of his speech. If enacted, it would hold nations legally accountable for ending plastic pollution. If you want to do your part, break up with fast fashion. When it's time to revamp your closet, shop secondhand. Opt for thrifting, which can offer fast fashion's low prices and trendy items with the added potential of finding high-end items. Guterres underscored the importance of individuals helping to create a cultural change around clothing purchases, saying in the speech, "We need transparency for customers. And we need consumers to use their purchasing power to encourage change." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt pushes for zero-waste future
Federal Minister of Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, speaks with Reuters during an interview in Islamabad, June 11, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Masood Malik on Sunday urged nationwide action to tackle waste management challenges as Pakistan observes International Day of Zero Waste. This year's theme, "Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles," highlights the pressing need to curb pollution from the textile sector, a major contributor to Pakistan's economy but also a significant source of waste. The minister acknowledged the textile industry's role in employment and GDP growth but warned that waste from plastics, electronics, and food remains a critical issue requiring urgent attention. "Pakistan is implementing robust policies to combat waste," he said, citing the National Hazardous Waste Management Policy (2022) and the Pakistan National Action Roadmap on Plastic Pollution as key steps toward sustainability. The government is pushing for a shift from a linear to a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are reused. Initiatives promoting eco-friendly fashion, sustainable packaging, and a forthcoming circular economy policy are part of this strategy. Malik stressed the need for private sector involvement in adopting sustainable practices and called on civil society to promote responsible consumption. "Our goal is a future where waste is drastically reduced, resources are preserved, and our environment is protected," he said, aligning efforts with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and 12). Meanwhile, as the world marks International Day of Zero Waste 2025, alarming data highlights the scale of textile waste, with 92 million tonnes generated globally each year. This equates to a garbage truck full of discarded clothing being incinerated or sent to landfills every second. The exponential rise in textile production and consumption is outpacing sustainability efforts, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social repercussions, particularly in developing nations. According to the United Nations, textile waste production doubled between 2000 and 2015, while the lifespan of garments decreased by 36%. Additionally, 11% of global plastic waste originates from clothing and textiles, yet only 8% of textile fibers in 2023 were made from recycled materials. A study published in the Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research reveals that Pakistan generates approximately 270,125 tonnes of textile waste annually, with Karachi alone contributing 19,305 tonnes. The study further breaks down textile disposal habits across economic classes, showing that the lower-income group (Class C) discards the highest volume of textiles. Meanwhile, the wealthiest segment (Class A Plus) disposes of an average of 195kg of clothing per year, followed by Class A at 150kg and Class B at 105kg. Pakistan faces significant challenges in managing textile waste sustainably. The lack of technical and financial resources, combined with low public awareness, has hindered efforts to address the issue. (With input from APP)
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan to prioritise sustainable development, reaffirms PM
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future, urging a shift from a 'take-make-dispose' economy to a circular model that prioritises waste reduction and resource efficiency. 'Waste pollution is a pressing crisis that threatens our environment, public health, and economy. Plastic and hazardous waste are adversely affecting our rivers, landfills, and air, exacerbating climate change,' Shehbaz Sharif said in a message marking the International Day of Zero Waste on Sunday. With rapid urbanisation and industrial growth, he stressed the need for sustainable waste management solutions that not only protect the environment but also drive economic and social development. This year's theme, 'Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,' highlights the urgent need for sustainability in an industry that generates massive waste. As a major textile producer, Pakistan is committed to promoting eco-friendly manufacturing, textile recycling, and ethical consumerism, he said. The prime minister outlined the government's initiatives, including a Circular Economy Policy that is under formulation and aims to revolutionise waste management. The Living Indus Initiative focuses on restoring the Indus River Basin by reducing pollution, while advocacy campaigns such as the Clean Green Pakistan Movement aim to enhance grassroots waste management. Additionally, the Plastic Waste Management Action Plan seeks to eliminate single-use plastics, promote biodegradable alternatives, and expand recycling efforts. The government is also pushing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), ensuring that manufacturers take accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products, integrating waste management into production and packaging. However, PM Shehbaz emphasised that achieving a zero-waste society requires collective action. 'Citizens must reduce waste at home, recycle, and compost. Businesses must shift to sustainable production and minimise waste. Local governments must strengthen waste collection and expand recycling facilities, while the private sector must innovate in waste-to-energy and green entrepreneurship solutions,' he said. 'Every action counts. Let us work together to make zero waste a reality, ensuring a healthier planet for our future generations,' the prime minister added.
Forbes
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
5 Innovative Ways Sport Is Tackling Waste
Recycling and composting efforts in sports may now be an "expected baseline," but improvements are being made and innovation persists. International Day of Zero Waste is a reminder that the waste we produce isn't just a blight on the environment, but an economic drain, costing the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year. From plastics and food to electronics and packaging, we churn out 2 billion tons of waste annually, the equivalent weight of 2,200 Golden Gate Bridges. Sport is no exception, the waste created at stadiums, events and tournaments adds to the mounting global crisis. An average NFL game can generate between 30 and 40 tons of waste. However, sport is taking action to tackle the problem. As major purchasers, influential role models, and community leaders, sports teams and venues are reducing waste and inspiring fans to do the same. 'I see sports as a highly effective platform to promote waste reduction, reuse, and recovery efforts,' says Jonathan Casper, associate professor and sport management program coordinator at North Carolina State University. However, he believes that initiatives such as recycling and composting "have shifted over time from being a true point of differentiation to more of an expected baseline for most organizations.' 'Teams and organizations that are active in things like zero waste are getting better and better, but the industry as a whole still seems to be lagging behind,' shared Timothy Kellison, associate professor in the department of sport management at Florida State University. Across the United States, sports venues from Atlanta to Austin have been certified as zero waste. Meanwhile, in Europe, many sports organizations have long made zero waste the standard, diverting 100% of waste from landfill through a combination of reduction, recycling, composting, food recovery, energy-from-waste, and rainwater and groundwater recovery. 'I focus a lot on zero waste, and it's not a panacea," says Kellison. "But the idea of it is really compelling, especially when you see it in action at huge events like a college football game or pro golf tournament.' The WM Phoenix Open, or "the greenest show on grass," has been certified as zero waste for 12 years. In 2024, 99.6% of waste was diverted from landfill through a mix of recovery of materials, recycling and donations. An innovative partnership with Arizona Worm Farm led to 21 tons of waste food being composted. In a mesmerising process, black soldier fly larvae are fed leftovers and break down the organic waste. These larvae are then transformed into high-protein meal for hens, which produce eggs that are donated to local food banks, closing the loop on food waste. WM Phoenix Open 2025 - MLB Green Scene WM WM Phoenix Open is a testing ground for trialing and refining sustainability-related practices for major sporting events. 'It's very much our lab,' says Lee Spivak, director of WM's Advisory Services team. 'We'll try an idea, try an approach to a customer. Then we'll scale it up here and take it to other customers.' It's not just about sports organisations, it's about fans too. 'Sports can help show people that sustainable choices are possible and even easy,' Jonathan Casper noted. 'I think one of the most powerful aspects of sports is their ability to influence fans and broader communities." A zero waste pitching station at WM Phoenix Open gamified composting and recycling, and encouraged attendees to engage with zero waste in a fun and interactive way. 'When they start to care, the ripple effect of the influence doesn't really end,' says Spivak. Recycling may not be a groundbreaking concept anymore, but Super Bowl champions' the Philadelphia Eagles have found a new way to approach it. Instead of sending aluminium cans to their waste hauler alongside other recyclable materials, they sort and bail it themselves, for a higher financial return. The NFL team received permission from the league to serve beer to fans directly in cans, as long as the tops are popped beforehand, instead of pouring the beer into plastic cups. This simple change reduces waste. When it comes to recycling the cans, the difference between mixed and sorted recycling is substantial. "If cans are recycled alongside other materials, they make about $70 to $100 per ton," explains Norman Vossschulte, the Eagles' vice president of fan engagement and sustainability. "But if you sort and bale the cans separately—sending only aluminium to an aluminium recycler—you can get about $1,000 to $1,400 per ton." Leadership on sustainability and waste reduction, comes right from the top. "We are proud to serve as champions of sustainability throughout our operation," says president, Don Smolenski. 'Sustainability is a large part of our organizational identity. Not only do our efforts directly impact our fans and the Philadelphia community, but our status as an NFL franchise affords us a unique platform to collaborate with other organizations around the world to mitigate the impact on our planet.' As well as looking for ways to reduce waste created within their own operations, sports organisations are raising awareness of environmental issues and tackling waste through campaigns. Spanish soccer club Real Betis has created an innovative kit made with textile fibres derived from an invasive algae, and recycled plastics collected from the ocean. Along the Andalusian coast, an uncontrolled invasion of algae is displacing native species and disrupting the natural balance of the aquatic ecosystem. The kit campaign is to alert soccer fans and the public about the environmental crisis caused by the algae, that has most likely arrived in Spanish waters through the ballast waters of merchant ships. This is a small action across a widespread issue, but shows how soccer clubs can raise awareness of environmental issues with their fans. Speaking about the campaign, Real Betis soccer player Hector Bellerin shared, 'fashion is the same as football – things that are very, very important in our daily lives, so they are key players that can truly make a difference.' This is not the first time Real Betis have collected waste to create new products, they also worked with partners to transform plastic from our oceans into stadium seats. Another scourge of our oceans are 'ghost nets." Lost or abandoned underwater fishing nets continue to trap everything in their path, from fish to turtles and dolphins, and harm delicate ecosystems. On the Brazilian coast, 25 million marine animals can be impacted each year. The NBA and World Surf League may be unexpected partners, but they have teamed up to tackle this issue in Brazil through "Nets for Change." Over a ton of ghost nets have been collected and repurposed into basketball nets that benefit young people and communities. WSL and NBA share many values, says Ivan Martino, president of WSL Latam, '0f setting good examples through sports, of spreading positive messages, and one that is part of the DNA of both leagues is sustainability.' Some products aren't easy to recycle or reuse, and require creative solutions to keep them out of landfills. Through innovative thinking, sports organisations are engaging to support waste being transformed into anything from furniture to clothing. Coffee tables made from recycled badminton shuttlecocks, chairs made from recycled bottle caps and sofas made from crowd control barriers were all part of the athlete's village at Paris 2024. The U.S. Open and Ralph Lauren collaborated to turn plastic tennis ball cans into apparel collections for umpires, ball teams, and spectators. In Belgium, eco-designer Mathilde Wittock receives donations from tennis clubs to make furniture from discarded tennis balls. To raise awareness of the growing problem of electronic waste, British Formula E team, Envision Racing, partnered with designers to build a driveable car made from iPhones, chargers, batteries and single-use vapes. The materials were sourced entirely from donations and unrepairable items from a technology trade-in company. Sports are both a source of waste and a force for change, with a unique opportunity to inspire sustainable practices on a massive scale. 'Fans are far more likely to adopt sustainable behaviors when they see their favorite team leading by example, compared to receiving the same message from government agencies or corporations,' says Jonathan Casper. 'Sport has a unique ability to connect with people emotionally, and that connection can be leveraged to drive real, lasting change.'
