It’s no secret that the textile industry is a major source of pollution. Easily one of the top 10 most polluting industries, and responsible for 20% of global water pollution, there’s a simple solution to that problem…

Let’s all go naked!

This idea quickly popped into my head, and it seems that it could magically solve the textile industry’s pollution problems.

Nudism, or naturism as it’s also known, is much more than just an excuse to sunbathe without the marks of a swimsuit. It could be a revolution against the textile industry and its gigantic carbon footprint!

Although the idea of people all over the planet starting to live naked is quite entertaining, I’m well aware that certain prudishness or freezing weather conditions in some countries, among other things, could be an obstacle to putting this into practice. I’m convinced that this radical and zany practice would easily work to solve the environmental issues linked to the pollution generated by the textile industry, but that in practical terms, it would be difficult to implement.

Following on from my explanation of how nudism would be beneficial, I’d still like to give you a few other, more accessible tips for reducing your ecological footprint regarding clothing.

We have SO many clothes!

From the beginning to the end of a clothing’s life cycle, it pollutes enormously. Starting with its production, which requires huge amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, then the dyeing and finishing processes, which release toxic substances into the environment, and finally, textile waste management poses a serious problem, with tons of clothes thrown away every year. Depending on the type of fabric, clothing can take between 20 and 200 years to biodegrade.

Nudism offers an effective solution to the pollution caused by textile production and management. By abandoning clothing, we reduce our dependence on the textile industry. Less demand for clothes means less production, which reduces water, energy, and chemical consumption, and there’s no waste to manage.

An even simpler and less radical way to reduce clothing production is simply to keep your clothes on longer. The simple fact that a garment is no longer in fashion is far from a good reason to throw it out. Thrift stores are becoming more and more fashionable, and considering their existence, it seems unacceptable to even consider throwing away a garment when you can simply take it to the thrift store. A stain or a small hole and the clothes cannot be donated to thrift stores? It can still be used as pyjamas or loungewear.

To help manage textile waste, you can also consider buying clothes made from materials that biodegrade more quickly, such as hemp, wool, bamboo, silk, or 100% cotton.

Washing clothes

Washing clothes also contributes to water pollution. Every time we wash our clothes, plastic microfibers are released into wastewater, often ending up in oceans and rivers. These microfibers can contaminate marine ecosystems and threaten aquatic life.

By adopting nudism, we logically reduce the need to wash clothes, as we simply don’t wear them anymore, or even much less often. Less washing means fewer plastic microfibers released into the water, preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems and reducing pollution of our rivers and oceans.

Detergent

Other than not wearing clothes at all, to reduce your ecological footprint when washing, you can also use eco-friendly laundry detergents. Their ingredients are of natural origin and biodegradable, so environmental emissions are significantly reduced.

Cold Water

You might also consider washing in cold rather than hot water. It’s often thought that you need to wash at a very high temperature to get a good wash, whereas a wash at 20°C or 30°C is more than sufficient for everyday clothes. High-temperature washing is only required when the clothes are really dirty, such as the clothes of a child who has been playing in the mud. Lowering the wash temperature by 10 degrees can reduce the carbon emissions of the wash cycle by 35%, and using cold water saves you money on your electricity bill!

Drying clothes

As for the tumble dryer, here again, it’s easy to reduce your ecological footprint: don’t use it all the time. You can dry your clothes on an outdoor clothesline. This can give your clothes a sweet, natural scent of nature (well, I admit, not if you live in the city — then it’s more like delicious exhaust fumes). Not all homes or dwellings allow the use of a clothesline, but there are even indoor drying racks.

Of course, the far-fetched idea of nudism could work radically to reduce textile pollution, but may seem too extreme an option. However, there are so many more accessible ways to reduce our clothing-related environmental impact by extending the life of our clothes, choosing biodegradable materials, and adopting more sustainable washing practices, we can all help preserve our planet for future generations.

Ultimately, whether you choose to go completely nude or simply change your consumption habits, remember that every little bit helps in the fight against textile pollution. Together, we can create a future that’s greener, more sustainable, and more in harmony with our environment. So, are you ready to take the plunge towards a more nude and greener future?