Human Population
When you first attempt to relate human population to fashion within the framework of environmental science, you may think the impacts are primarily due to the growing population, thereby demanding more resources to be used. However, this is not the case. Rather, it is the impact made by the relatively stable population. The impact of human population is comprised of three factors: size, affluence, and technology. All of which require resources and materials.
A larger human population size means a larger consumption base within the fashion industry. With more people globally, there is a greater demand for clothing to meet the needs and preferences of individuals. This increased demand often leads to higher levels of production, manufacturing, and distribution activities, resulting in greater environmental pressure and resource extraction. In the lens of environmental science, addressing the impact of human population size in the fashion industry requires approaches that consider population dynamics and sustainable consumption. Strategies such as promoting circular economy models, extending product lifespan through reuse practices, and investing in eco-friendly companies are essential for decreasing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.
Affluence drives demand for fashion goods and services, With higher levels of disposable income, individuals are more inclined to purchase clothing, accessories, and luxury items, leading to increased production and consumption. This heightened demand often results in overconsumption and a culture of fast fashion, where trends change rapidly, encouraging frequent purchases and discarding of garments. Moreover, human affluence creates the demand for resource-intensive materials and production processes in the fashion industry. Luxury fashion brands often use exotic materials such as rare animal skins, fur, and precious metals, which require significant natural resources for extraction and processing. Additionally, the production of high-end clothing often involves energy-intensive manufacturing processes and extensive transportation networks, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. To address this impact of human affluence in the fashion industry, strategies such as promoting sustainable fashion practices, reducing consumption, and advocating for transparency and accountability in supply chains are essential steps towards decreasing the environmental footprint caused from affluent consumption patterns.
The role of technology within the fashion industry has left both a positive and negative impact. While digital technologies have revolutionized the way fashion brands engage with consumers and market their products, transformed design and manufacturing, and improved supply chain transparency and traceability, it also poses environmental problems, The production and disposal of electronic devices within the industry results in waste which can contain hazardous materials which when disposed can effect the environment in numerous of ways. As well, the energy used from data centers powering e-commerce contributes to carbon emissions. So while technological advances can be beneficial to the growing industry, we must use it responsibility and prioritize sustainability.
With all this said, you are a part of the human population and your ecological footprint matters, even within the fashion industry, Your ecological footprint is the land area required to produce the ecosystem goods and services for entire human populations or for the average individual in such populations.
You can calculate your ecological fashion footprint at this link: