The Environmental Audit Committee has written to 10 retailers to find out how they are mitigating them
- They include Marks and Spencer, Primark, Next, Arcadia, Asda, TK Maxx and Homesense, Tesco, JD Sports Fashion, Debenhams and Sports Direct International
- The production of clothing involves water and energy intensive processes, resulting in pollution and greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change
- The Committee is investigating how the UK’s fashion industry – worth £28bn a year – can reduce its environmental footprint
A cross-party group of MPs are calling on the heads of fashion brands to disclose the environmental and social impacts of the clothes and shoes they sell.
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has written to the chief executives of the UK’s 10 fashion retailers to find out that actions they are taking to reduce the environmental impact of their products and operations as “fast” fashion is harming the planet.
They include Marks and Spencer, Primark, Next, Arcadia, Asda, TK Maxx and Homesense, Tesco, JD Sports Fashion, Debenhams and Sports Direct International.
The request for evidence will inform the Committee’s inquiry into the sustainability of the fashion industry, which is investigating how the UK’s fashion industry – worth £28 billion a year – can reduce its environmental footprint.
The production of clothing involves water and energy intensive processes, resulting in pollution and greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change.
The EAC says it also uses chemical dyes, finishes and coatings, some of which are said to be toxic and when clothes are washed, they release microplastic fibres which make their way into the ocean.
It adds while unwanted and outdated clothing end up in landfill, some charities have complained second hand clothes are exported and dumped on overseas markets.
Source: Energy Live News
