No piece of clothing is worth risking the future of our planet or someone’s health. We need to radically transform the way clothing is made and the way garment workers are treated, and end fast fashion.
Take action for sustainable clothing
The chemicals used to manufacture our clothing put garment workers’ health at risk, pollute communities and taint local resources, AND risk consumers’ health. Exposure to these chemicals can harm reproductive systems, cause cancer, damage the nervous systems, damage the liver, and more.
Clothing that is odor-wicking, anti-wrinkle, flame-resistant? Often made using toxic chemicals!
When we first launched the Toxic Textiles campaign, we pushed Carter's, the largest US retailer of children’s clothing, to step up its chemical management and sustainability efforts. Thanks to Green Americans taking action with our campaign, Carter’s has
- launched a website on its environmental, social, and governance impacts
- disclosed a restricted substances list (RSL)
- issued a sustainability report
- announced it will adopt a manufacturing restricted substances list (MRSL)
Now, we are askingthe largest clothing retailer in the US—Amazon—to end toxic textiles and respect workers’ rights!
As an expert in sustainable fashion and environmental advocacy, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the critical issue of toxic textiles and the urgent need for a transformation in the fashion industry. My background includes extensive research, collaboration with environmental organizations, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the clothing production process.
The evidence supporting the claim that no piece of clothing is worth jeopardizing the planet or someone's health is abundant and well-documented. The manufacturing of clothing involves the use of various chemicals that pose serious risks to garment workers, communities, and consumers alike. These chemicals can have detrimental effects on reproductive systems, lead to cancer, damage nervous and liver systems, and more.
The mention of clothing being odor-wicking, anti-wrinkle, and flame-resistant highlights a common misconception. Many of these desirable properties are achieved through the use of toxic chemicals in the production process, posing a significant threat to both those involved in the manufacturing process and end consumers.
In the context of the Toxic Textiles campaign, the focus on Carter's, the largest US retailer of children's clothing, illustrates the potential impact of advocacy and consumer action. Green Americans successfully pushed Carter's to enhance its chemical management and sustainability efforts. The company responded by launching a website detailing its environmental, social, and governance impacts, disclosing a restricted substances list (RSL), issuing a sustainability report, and announcing the adoption of a manufacturing restricted substances list (MRSL).
Now, the call to action targets Amazon, the largest clothing retailer in the US, urging the company to end toxic textiles and uphold workers' rights. This appeal is grounded in the understanding that major industry players, like Amazon, have a substantial influence on shaping industry standards and practices. By leveraging consumer pressure and advocating for responsible manufacturing, it is possible to drive positive change in the fashion sector.
In conclusion, the urgency to address toxic textiles in the fashion industry is supported by concrete evidence of the harmful effects of chemical exposure on workers and consumers. The success of previous campaigns, such as the one directed at Carter's, serves as a testament to the effectiveness of collective action in pushing companies toward more sustainable and ethical practices. The current call to action against Amazon reflects a continued commitment to transforming the fashion industry and promoting a future where clothing is not only stylish but also safe for people and the planet.
