Environmental Degradation: We as humans are the cause. By Julie Peller, Ph.D.

Green Junction

We are living in a time of unprecedented environmental degradation, from climate change to massive plastic waste to loss of biodiversity and more. The choices made by older generations have led to environmental and public health consequences that will be more harmful to younger generations. Transitions away from dirty energy sources and excessive materialism are required, and well-informed young adults are leading efforts to drive change. The organization Earth Charter Indiana supports youth programs that encourage students to lead movements toward more sustainable lifestyles and a healthier Earth. One program is its youth environmental press team. (https://yept.org/)

A recent article by Michael Hayek, a high school student at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, is titled “Worn Once, Wasted Forever: The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion.” He explains how the garment industry has chosen profits over responsible products for years. Textile businesses have been producing lower-quality clothing using low-cost (and heavily subsidized) oil and gas. Polyester is the most common synthetic fiber and is used to manufacture clothes known as “fast fashion.” Michael’s article states, “Since many fast fashion garments are cheaply made, consumers are able to purchase [them] more easily, turning clothing into a disposable product rather than a lasting necessity.”

 The article describes the pollution created by the fast fashion culture. “As massive corporations flood stores and the internet with new styles each week, millions of garments are discarded after only a handful of wears. This constant cycle of overproduction and waste releases harmful dyes and synthetic fibers into the environment.” Textiles made from synthetic materials are also used for carpeting, window and furniture covers, stuffed animals, blankets, and much more. All of these materials contribute to pollution. “As synthetic garments are discarded, burned, or broken down over time, they emit microplastics and chemical residues creating irreversible impacts on the air, soil, and water.”

Michael states that “The younger generation is stepping up to take action against fashion corporations, holding them accountable and calling for immediate reform.” But Michael’s generation did not create this culture of fast fashion. It will take sincere effort from all to change purchasing habits to address the fast-fashion problem. 

Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University). She has been writing a weekly column, The Green Junction, for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action. Her research interests include advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, challenges along the Lake Michigan shoreline (such as Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.