# data[].attributes.body
Fast fashion has experienced exponential growth in recent years, and so have its environmental impacts. According to recent studies, the fashion industry is responsible for 8–10% of global CO₂ emissions, consumes approximately 79 trillion liters of water annually, and contributes to 20% of total industrial water pollution (Niinimäki et al., 2020). As the second-highest consumer of textiles per capita, Australia inevitably plays a significant role in these issues (Lockrey et al., 2022). For instance, in 2017, cotton farming, a key input in garment production, accounted for 28% of Australia’s total agricultural water use (Cotton Australia, n.d.). Estimates suggest that producing a single cotton shirt requires between 2,000 and 2,500 liters of water, highlighting the direct link between demand for cheap clothing and excessive water consumption. Given that Australia is predominantly an arid, drought-prone country, the allocation of such vast water resources to textile production raises critical ethical and environmental concerns. Fast fashion also leads to significant water pollution. As previously mentioned, textile dyeing and treatment are responsible for an estimated 17–20% of industrial water contamination worldwide, as untreated dye effluents and chemicals often end up in rivers. In Australia, the impact is evident through microplastic pollution; the prevalence of cheaply made synthetic garments means that each wash releases countless microfibers into wastewater (Matei et al., 2023). These pollutants threaten aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Ultimately, fast fashion’s contribution to both water overuse and pollution represents a serious ethical and environmental issue for Australia.

# data[].attributes.headline
Our UNSDG targets and how they relate to our ethical issue

# data[].attributes.subject
Our UNSDG targets and how they relate to our ethical issue

# data[].attributes.body
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) that relates to our ethical issues of excessive water use and water pollution correlating with fast fashion is UNSDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, but more specifically, UNSDG 12.2, which aims to achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources by 2030 (United Nations, 2025). One example of these issues that are present in the industry includes textile dyeing. The dyeing process in textile production contributes around 20% of industrial water pollution globally (Joyce, 2025). Untreated dye effluents and hazardous chemicals are often discharged into rivers, therefore contaminating water sources. A second example includes microplastics shedding from synthetic materials in clothing. Research highlights that a single polyester garment can shed thousands of microplastic fibers per wash (Carney Almroth et al., 2018).

# data[].attributes.body
The video above shows the direct effects of water pollution.

Several fast fashion giants operating in Australia have come under increasing questioning regarding their environmental practices. H&M, for instance, faced significant criticism after a 2022 investigative report linked some of its overseas suppliers to severe water pollution. The report found that at least four factories producing garments for H&M in Bangladesh were discharging untreated, chemically contaminated wastewater. The pollution was so severe that it rendered entire rivers in the affected areas “biologically dead” (Enberg, 2022). In response to these challenges, H&M has launched sustainability programs aimed at reducing water usage and improving waste management. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been questioned, with critics arguing that the fast fashion model itself is inherently unsustainable. The Australian government has also acknowledged the need for regulatory intervention in the garment industry to address environmental concerns. In 2023, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek signaled the possibility of implementing a levy on the sector, emphasizing the urgent need to "roll back fast fashion" (FashionUnited, 2023). This reflects the growing pressure on fast fashion retailers to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their impact on Australia’s water resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bangladesh's garment factories pollute rivers, affecting residents' health

# data[].attributes.body
Individual consumers play a significant role in the pace of fashion affecting Australia's water supply. Every time one buys clothes, the need for water-intensive processes like cotton farming and textile manufacturing is boosted. For example, making one cotton t-shirt can use 2,700 litres of water. When people buy clothes frequently and discard them rapidly, they are responsible for the wastage of water in Australia and elsewhere.

In Australia, where water is already limited, this creates serious problems. Much of the cotton is grown in the Murray-Darling Basin, which is already under pressure. Fast fashion puts pressure on that, stripping away from farms, nature, and communities. Also, old clothes that end up in landfill can release toxic dyes and microfibres into the ground and water.

# data[].attributes.body
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Water account, Australia. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/environment/environmental-management/water-account-australia/latest-release

Browne, M. A., Crump, P., Niven, S. J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., Galloway, T. S., & Thompson, R. C. (2011). Accumulation of microplastic on shorelines worldwide: Sources and sinks. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(21), 9175–9179. https://doi.org/10.1021/es201811s

Commonwealth of Australia. (2020). Independent assessment of the social and economic conditions in the Murray–Darling Basin. Productivity Commission. https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/murray-darling-basin

Fletcher, K. (2014). Sustainable fashion and textiles: Design journeys (2nd ed.). Routledge.

World Wildlife Fund. (2023). The impact of cotton on freshwater resources. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton

# data[].attributes.body
Official Outland Denim webpage, where they show their commitment to the environment.

Fortunately, there are some organizations actively working to mitigate the environmental impacts of fast fashion. Outland Denim, an Australian fashion brand, is taking concrete actions to address water-related issues within the industry. The company has significantly optimized its manufacturing processes, aiming to reduce overall water consumption. For example, Outland uses an ozone-based treatment and an “e-flow” nano-bubble wash system that achieves the same denim distressing effects with 65% to 95% less water than conventional techniques. This results in substantially reduced freshwater use and lower levels of contaminated wastewater in the production process. In addition, Outland Denim uses sustainable materials, such as Global Organic Textile Standard-certified organic cotton and other lower-impact alternatives. Organic cotton farming typically relies more efficiently on rainwater and avoids the heavy pesticide use associated with conventional cotton, thereby helping to reduce water pollution (Outland Denim, n.d.). This approach not only mitigates environmental harm but also sets an example for the fashion industry on how to balance fashion with responsible water consumption.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CLEANING UP THE DENIM INDUSTRY.

Denim is one of the most universally worn and loved garments on the planet. This is why we chose jeans as our vehicle for social change in the first place: if you could buy a pair that made a positive difference, as opposed to a pair that created social damage, why wouldn't you? But denim's impact on the planet has also been catastrophic. So we, and our supply chain partners, have quickly set about cleaning it up; to make denim more sustainable and safe for our customers to wear.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Harnessing fashion's power for humanity and the planet. Integrity drives our denim. Thoughtful design, premium materials, sustainable manufacturing.

# data[].attributes.body
Cotton Australia. (n.d.). Australian cotton: Our water story. https://cottonaustralia.com.au/assets/general/Publications/Industry-overview-brochures/The-Australian-Cotton-Water-Story.pdf

Enberg, A. (2022). Report accuses Swedish fashion chain of polluting water in Bangladesh. Anadolu Agency. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/report-accuses-swedish-fashion-chain-of-polluting-water-in-bangladesh/2750290

FashionUnited. (2023). Australian environment minister warns clothing industry must 'roll back' fast fashion. https://fashionunited.com/news/business/australian-environment-minister-warns-clothing-industry-must-roll-back-fast-fashion/2024022358552

Lockrey, S., Millicer, H., Collins, R., Fennessy, L., Richardson, M., Rajaratnam, T., Hill, A., Wesselius, H., Ryder, M., Anich, J., Verghese, K., Edmunds, T., Maltby, E., Laureysens, I., Couwenberg, P., & Dalla Vecchia, D. (2022). Enabling design for environmental good sub report: Textiles sector. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/enabling-design-environmental-good-sub-report-textiles_0.pdf

Matei, A., Shah, B., & Unhelkar, B. (2023). Environmental impact of fast fashion and approaches for sustainable textile production. Discover Sustainability, 4(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-023-00197-6

Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T., & Gwilt, A. (2020). The environmental price of fast fashion. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1(4), 189–200. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0039-9

Outland Denim. (n.d.). Environmental standards.https://outlanddenim.com/pages/environmental

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Percentage of water pollution for fiber types in the fast fashion industry

# data[].attributes.headline
Impact on businesses & how they're adapting to water sustainability changes

# data[].attributes.subject
Impact on businesses & how they're adapting to water sustainability changes

# data[].attributes.body
The ethical issue of water overuse and pollution in fast fashion has major implications for businesses, which have evolved significantly over time. Textile production contributes around 20% of global wastewater (Bailey et al., 2022), placing immense pressure on companies to adopt sustainable practices such as closed-loop systems and wastewater recycling. Governments worldwide are tightening regulations to reduce industrial pollution, driving businesses to implement water-efficient infrastructure or face fines and reputational damage. The fashion industry’s annual consumption of 93 billion cubic metres of water (Bandera, 2024) further highlights the urgent need for innovation. Companies are exploring solutions like alternative fabrics and improved technologies to reduce resource dependence and improve operational resilience, particularly in regions struggling with water scarcity.

Consumer attitudes have also shifted accordingly, with research showing that sustainability is becoming a baseline requirement for purchase decisions (Reichheld et al., 2023). Businesses risk losing market share if they fail to align with these preferences, especially among younger, environmentally conscious consumers. Historically, water-related concerns were overlooked in favour of cost and speed. However, growing awareness and advocacy have transformed water sustainability into a core pillar of business strategies, as today, nearly all of the world's top 250 companies report on sustainability metrics, reflecting the integration of ethical water management into business strategies (KPMG, 2022).

# data[].attributes.body
The United Nations sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) play avital role in guiding both business and individuals towards a more sustainable future. From a business perspective, aligning with the UNSDGs enhances corporate reputation, drives innovation, and opens access to new markets and investment opportunities. Companie that integrate sustainability into their strategies are better positioned to manage risk and meet the expectation of increasingly conscious consumer and stakeholder at an individual level, the UNSDGs encourage personal responsibility and action, promoting awareness and behavioural change that contributes to global progress. The goals and their target, provide a comprehensive from work for addressing critical global challenges such as poverty, climate change, in equality and health. By working towards these shared goals, business and individuals can collectively, drive meaningful change, ensuring long-term prosperity environmental health, and social equity. The UNSDGs thus serve as a road map for a better world, making them essential for all

# data[].attributes.headline
What could organisations do differently to meet this goal by 2030?

# data[].attributes.subject
What could organisations do differently to meet this goal by 2030?

# data[].attributes.body
To meet the UNSDG 12.2 target by 2030, organisations in the fast fashion industry must adopt innovative strategies to manage resources sustainably. One effective solution is the adoption of waterless dyeing technologies, such as CO2 dyeing. Traditional dyeing processes can use up to 200 tonnes of water per tonne of fabric, whereas CO2 dyeing eliminates water usage entirely (Sami, 2023). This not only conserves water but also reduces energy consumption by up to 50%, making it a critical innovation for sustainable textile production. Another impactful approach is investing in rainwater harvesting systems. Rainwater harvesting can reduce reliance on local water supplies and provide a sustainable source for industrial operations. In Australia, rainwater tanks have been shown to reduce household water consumption by up to 25% (ABCB, 2016), demonstrating their potential for broader applications in industries. Scaling these systems in fashion and retail sectors could help organisations align with SDG 12.2 by efficiently managing water resources. A third potential solution could involve organisations collaborating on river restoration projects to mitigate the impact of industrial pollution on waterways. In Australia, initiatives like the Rivers of Carbon program have restored almost 2,000 hectares of riparian land, improving water quality and ecosystem health (Australian River Restoration Centre, n,d.). By actively investing in similar restoration efforts, businesses can demonstrate accountability for their sustainable use of water while contributing to cleaner water systems.

# data[].attributes.body
ABCB. (2016). Rainwater Harvesting and Use Research Report. https://www.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2020//Report-Rainwater-harvesting-and-use.pdf

Australian River Restoration Centre. (n.d.). Homepage. Rivers of Carbon. https://riversofcarbon.org.au/

Bailey, K., Basu, A., & Sharma, S. (2022). The Environmental Impacts of Fast Fashion on Water Quality: A Systematic Review. Water, 14(7), 1073. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14071073

Bandera, G. (2024, April 25). How the fashion industry pollutes our water. FairPlanet. https://www.fairplanet.org/story/how-the-fashion-industry-pollutes-our-water/

Carney Almroth, B.M., Åström, L., Roslund, S. et al. Quantifying shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles; a source of microplastics released into the environment. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 1191–1199 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-0528-7

Joyce, H. (2025, January 5). Textile industry’s impact: Water pollution and its solutions | ShunWaste. Shunwaste.com. https://shunwaste.com/article/how-does-the-textile-industry-affect-water-pollution

KPMG. (2022). Key global trends in sustainability reporting. KPMG. https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/esg/survey-of-sustainability-reporting-2022/global-trends.html

Reichheld, A., Peto, J., & Ritthaler, C. (2023, September 18). Research: Consumers’ sustainability demands are rising. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/09/research-consumers-sustainability-demands-are-rising

Sami, S. K. (2023, June 11). Waterless carbon dioxide dyeing is a powerful solution for sustainable coloration. TexSPACE Today. https://www.texspacetoday.com/waterless-carbon-dioxide-dyeing/

United Nations. (2025). Goal 12 | Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Sdgs.un.org; United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12#targets_and_indicators

# data[].attributes.headline
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Australia’s Water Resources

# data[].attributes.subject
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Australia’s Water Resources

# data[].attributes.body
The Impact of Fast Fashion on Australia’s Water Resources

Fast fashion, characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive clothing in response to the latest trends, has become a significant contributor to environmental degradation worldwide. In Australia, while much of the clothing sold is produced overseas, the industry’s footprint is deeply felt domestically, especially through its impact on the country's precious water resources. This issue is particularly pressing given Australia's vulnerability to droughts and water scarcity.

Water Use in Textile Production

One of the most water-intensive components of fast fashion is cotton production. Although most of Australia's fast fashion garments are imported, Australia is a major global producer and exporter of raw cotton, especially from regions like New South Wales and Queensland. Producing one kilogram of cotton – enough for a single T-shirt and a pair of jeans – can use up to 10,000 liters of water globally (H2O Global News, 2021). However, Australian growers are more water-efficient, using approximately 2,400 liters per kilogram (Australian Cotton, 2021).

The Murray-Darling Basin, a crucial agricultural region in Australia, has seen significant strain from cotton farming. About 91% of Australia’s cotton farms are located in this area (Department of Agriculture, ABARES, 2021). In recent years, water extraction for cotton has led to reduced river flows, loss of wetlands, and harm to aquatic ecosystems (The Guardian, 2018). These environmental pressures raise ethical and sustainability concerns about whether water should be prioritized for water-intensive crops like cotton when the same water is needed for food production and biodiversity conservation.

Pollution from Textile Dyes and Chemicals

Beyond water consumption, the fast fashion industry also contributes to water pollution through textile dyeing and finishing processes. While much of this production occurs overseas, the impact resonates in Australia when garments are washed and discarded.

Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester – a staple in fast fashion – shed microplastics when laundered. These microplastics are too small to be filtered by conventional wastewater treatment plants and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans (Australian Cotton, 2023). Recent studies have found microplastics in Australian waterways, including the Brisbane River and Sydney Harbour (ScienceDirect, 2024), where they pose a serious threat to marine life and water quality.

Moreover, when discarded clothing ends up in landfills – a common fate for fast fashion due to its low durability – it can leach dyes and chemicals into the soil and groundwater. Many of these chemicals are toxic and can contaminate water supplies, further exacerbating the pressure on Australia’s already limited clean water resources.

Consumer Culture and Waste

Australia is one of the highest consumers of textiles per capita in the world. The average person purchases 27 kilograms of new clothing annually and discards about 23 kilograms (Planet Ark, 2023). More than 200,000 tonnes of clothing go to landfills in Australia each year – equivalent to nearly four Sydney Harbour Bridges in weight (Australia Institute, 2023).

This wasteful consumer culture, driven by fast fashion’s promise of affordability and trendiness, perpetuates a cycle of overproduction and overconsumption that ultimately puts unsustainable pressure on natural resources, including water.

Towards Sustainable Solutions

Addressing the impact of fast fashion on Australia's water resources requires a multi-pronged approach. Consumers need to be educated about the hidden environmental costs of cheap clothing and encouraged to buy less and choose more sustainable brands. Meanwhile, policymakers can support regulations that encourage water-efficient cotton farming practices and better management of textile waste.

Investments in water recycling, improved landfill management, and promotion of circular fashion – where clothes are reused, repaired, and recycled – can also mitigate water-related impacts. Some Australian brands and organizations are already leading the way, incorporating recycled materials and using water-saving technologies in their production processes.

In conclusion, the fast fashion industry poses a real and growing threat to Australia’s water resources. From water-intensive cotton farming to pollution and waste, the entire lifecycle of a garment has consequences that extend far beyond the wardrobe. Tackling this issue requires systemic change, greater awareness, and a shift towards more sustainable and responsible consumption.

# data[].attributes.body
Australian Cotton. (2021). Does it take 20,000 litres of water to grow a t-shirt? https://australiancotton.com.au

Australian Cotton. (2023). Microfibres and the Textile Industry. https://australiancotton.com.au

Australia Institute. (2023). Australians revealed as world’s biggest fashion consumers. https://australiainstitute.org.au

Department of Agriculture (ABARES). (2021). Irrigation on cotton farms. https://www.agriculture.gov.au

H2O Global News. (2021). Cotton Farming and Water Scarcity. https://h2oglobalnews.com

Planet Ark. (2023). Tackling Australia’s Textile Waste. https://planetark.org

ScienceDirect. (2024). Microplastic pollution in Australian waterways. https://www.sciencedirect.com

The Guardian. (2018). Murray-Darling: When the River Runs Dry. https://www.theguardian.com

# data[].attributes.body
The United Nations sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) play avital role in guiding both business and individuals towards a more sustainable future. From a business perspective, aligning with the UNSDGs enhances corporate reputation, drives innovation, and opens access to new markets and investment opportunities. Companie that integrate sustainability into their strategies are better positioned to manage risk and meet the expectation of increasingly conscious consumer and stakeholder at an individual level, the UNSDGs encourage personal responsibility and action, promoting awareness and behavioural change that contributes to global progress. The goals and their target, provide a comprehensive from work for addressing critical global challenges such as poverty, climate change, in equality and health. By working towards these shared goals, business and individuals can collectively, drive meaningful change, ensuring long-term prosperity environmental health, and social equity. The UNSDGs thus serve as a road map for a better world, making them essential for all

# data[].attributes.headline
Impact of fast fashion on Australia's water resources.

# data[].attributes.subject
Impact of fast fashion on Australia's water resources.

# data[].attributes.body
Speed fashion, marked by its rapid manufacture of fashion-forward, cheap clothes, is exerting a massive burden on Australia's limited water supply. Cotton farming forms the heart of the garment sector, yet it takes an immense amount of water and, in most instances, is irrigated by delicate systems, such as the Murray-Darling Basin. It is an urgent problem in a country already experiencing water scarcity and global warming. Fashion wear made using imported clothes is also impacted by "virtual water," or the invisible water used to produce them overseas. The environment is also harmed by abandoned clothes, which usually get left in landfill or contribute to streams with microfibres. Manufacturing is just one aspect that leads to the environmental cost. As the industry expands, tackling fast fashion's water footprint is essential to maintaining Australia's water security and promoting more sustainable consumption patterns.