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Nowadays, there are several issues connected with SDGs in the fashion industry. According to the data, the annual supply of clothing amounts to about 2.9 billion items. On the other hand, the annual consumption is about 1.4 billion items. The difference has made those 1.5 billion items disposed of without reaching the hands of consumers. The disposal of clothes problem has a significant impact on earth and society. However, we can address some small things as well as large things in our society. This essay will discuss the disposal of clothes problem with SDGs and several suggestions to contribute to solve the issue.

Disposing clothes has made a lot of problems and there are some connections with SDGs. To begin with, it has negative effects on the environment when we make some clothes and dispose of it. For example, about goal 13 “climate action”, they emit much CO2 in the fashion industry and it causes climate change. In 2015, the emission of CO2 in this industry increased about 60% and it will increase more and more in the future. This is a serious problem in our society because many people suffer some disasters due to climate change and become starving and in poverty. In addition, when we wash clothes, there are also have influences on the environment, it can be connected with goal 14 “life below water”. Today, about 60% of clothing is made from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, or fibrous plastics, which are washed into the sewage system as fine fibers every time they are washed. The fibers are so fine that they cannot be captured by sewage treatment facilities and end up in the ocean. Thus, we contribute to polluting the ocean at some time without notice. Furthermore, the human rights of workers, including their working conditions, are behind the issue of clothing disposal. Because the apparel brands in order to sell cheaper clothes, some brands do not protect the labors who make those clothes. Labors’ salary is low and also their work environment is worse. Therefore, mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal, these three steps of recycling have damaging effects on human rights.

Is there any solution to solve those problems? A lot of people maybe know those issues but do not know what they can do. However, there are some solutions that even can do small things to contribute to solve it. First, we should rethink whether the clothes should buy or not when we shopping. Also, we should consider how to dispose of the clothes after we cannot wear it. For instance, we can bring clothes to recycle shops or provide it for your friends, or even you can sell it on flea market app after used up your clothes. Second, we can buy clothes which have sustainable labels such as WFTO. We can rethink our consumption behavior. On the other hand, in the apparel business, they should change the business form: mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal. If we address those things and the company also improve how to do their business, we are able to contribute to goal 12 “responsible consumption and production”. Also, it can improve the circumstance of environment and help to achieve the goal 13 and 14. Thus, we and society can do more things to achieve SDGs goals and it is important for everyone to be aware of those addressed.

To conclude, there are many problems in the clothing industry, including the problem of clothing disposal, but these can be solved by our small efforts and the efforts of the company.