Textile Industry Uses 79 Billion Cubic Meters of Water Annually
A program was organized by the Edirne Provincial Directorate, Urbanization, and Climate Change within the scope of “International Zero Waste Day.” Dr. Nilgün Becenen, a faculty member of Trakya University (TU), stated that the textile industry uses 79 billion cubic meters of water annually.
In her opening speech at the event, Ayşe Sarı, Director of the Provincal of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change in Edirne, mentioned that activities were being carried out in 81 provinces to raise awareness about zero waste. Sarı noted that in Edirne, a program was organized for students under the theme “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles.” She added, “At our event tables, we are working to raise awareness about environmental consciousness and zero waste. Students will be both informed and entertained through various activities.”
Consumers Buy More Clothes Than Necessary
During the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nilgün Becenen, Head of the Textile, Clothing, Footwear, and Leather of Technical Sciences Department at TU Vocational School, gave a presentation titled “Zero Waste in Textiles and Fashion.” She discussed how excessive consumption in the textile and clothing sectors harms nature and the environment.
Becenen explained that the textile industry has grown beyond necessity worldwide, saying, “Fashion influences consumers’ psychology more than their actual clothing needs, increasing their desire to shop. In 2014, 60% more clothes were sold compared to the year 2000. However, only half of these clothes were worn, and the rest were thrown away.”
Becenen highlighted the excessive use of water in textile production. She pointed out that water consumption in textiles has increased with the rise of fast fashion, stating, “The textile industry uses 79 billion cubic meters of water annually. 20% of global wastewater comes from the textile industry. Similarly, the textile industry produces 10% of carbon emissions. It takes 2,700 liters of water to produce a cotton t-shirt, which equals the drinking water consumption of one person for 2.5 years. The same t-shirt leads to the emission of more than 2 kilograms of carbon dioxide. It takes 7,500 liters of water to produce a pair of jeans.”
Becenen emphasized the importance of recycling to ensure sustainable production. She recommended that informational and educational activities be conducted to raise awareness about zero waste and stated that old clothes should be recycled.
In the program, held under the theme “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,” students created various souvenirs and paintings using waste materials. In the knowledge contest organized to raise awareness about zero waste, students who answered the questions correctly were awarded prizes.
