The environmental impact of fast fashion in Mexico is prompting innovators to advocate for sustainable practices and a shift in consumer habits.
The environmental impact of fast fashion has become a pressing concern in Mexico, prompting a range of innovative ventures aimed at fostering sustainability and reconsidering consumption habits in the fashion industry. Experts, entrepreneurs, and organizations are increasingly calling for regulation and alternative practices to mitigate the destructive effects of fast fashion.
Mireille Acquar, an expert in sustainability in the fashion business, highlighted the challenges of the mass fashion model prevalent in today’s marketplace. Speaking to Excélsior, Acquar stated, “We cannot exhaust the planet just to dress ourselves,” emphasizing the need for mindful consumption in a world driven by rapid production to meet consumer needs. She noted that around 7.8 billion people globally require clothing and footwear, which has led to unsustainable growth in production and consumption.
In Mexico, the lack of official data regarding the impact of fast fashion complicates efforts to initiate real change. Without substantial regulatory frameworks, including those defined by the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA), addressing the issue becomes even more challenging. Acquar pointed out that the increasing trend of ultra-fast fashion, facilitated through low-cost import apps from Asia, has further deteriorated the situation. “There is a growth in e-commerce, and that is favoring access to ultra-fast fashion,” she noted, attributing its expansion to minimal tariffs and taxes.
Despite the absence of concrete data highlighting fast fashion’s effects in Mexico, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) has reported a decline in the local textile and apparel industry since 2001, coinciding with China’s entry into the World Trade Organization. Acquar emphasized the need for regulatory initiatives, referencing a project by the Secretary of Environment (SEDEMA) of Mexico City aimed at addressing these environmental issues, though it has seen limited progress.
Globally, the fashion industry is a massive financial powerhouse, generating over $2.5 trillion and employing more than 300 million individuals. However, it is also a significant contributor to environmental degradation, responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with a staggering 73% of produced garments ultimately discarded and incinerated.
Amidst these challenges, various initiatives are emerging within Mexico that prioritize recycling and responsible consumption. Verónica Martínez, co-founder of Re.colecto, highlighted her startup’s efforts, which focus on collecting and recycling textiles. She noted that up to 200,000 tons of textile waste could have potential second lives through reuse or recycling. When discussing the impact of their initiative, she mentioned the collection of over 1.5 million garments since their inception and detailed their free service that encourages responsible textile disposal.
Ciclo Curaduría Textil, another noteworthy initiative co-founded by Manuela Casique, Zayda Aullet, and Tania Palacios, promotes the buying and selling of second-hand clothing. Situated in Mexico City, Ciclo aims to normalize the concept of second-hand fashion by showcasing vintage and high-quality pieces. “We seek to give that garment a second chance,” said Casique, emphasizing their goal to remove the negative stigma attached to used clothing.
Their operations illustrate a growing acceptance among consumers who view purchasing second-hand items as an opportunity to find unique, quality materials, rather than as a reflection of lower status. Aullet remarked on the historical practice of inheriting clothing, and how this normalized relationship can shift the perception of second-hand items from “old” to “vintage.”
As these ventures continue to gain traction, the dialogue surrounding sustainable fashion practices and consumer behavior is likely to evolve. Despite the obstacles faced by the fashion industry in Mexico, the commitment of these leaders and entrepreneurs provides hope for a more sustainable future.
Source: Noah Wire Services
