Which would you choose: fashion or the Earth?


The two should not be mutually exclusive, yet many fashion industry practices currently take a noticeable toll on the environment. Greenpeace is working to publicize the facts, and they're disconcerting to say the least.


According to the video, "two thirds of clothing items tested by Greenpeace contain hazardous chemicals, and when these garments are washed they release these substances back into rivers, lakes and seas around the world."


Millions of people around the world don't have access to clean drinking water, and if you buy clothes in North America, Europe, Asia or elsewhere, you are part of the problem.


So how do we stop this global chain of toxic pollution, and start being part of the solution?


You can start by checking out the Greenpeace Detox campaign, which aims to expose brands like Levi's, Zara, Victoria Secret and challenge them to take responsibility for their toxic footprint.


The solidarity of people behind this cause are making a difference, and corporations like H&M and Valentino are beginning to take notice and work toward creating a marketplace for non-hazardous alternatives.


The message of the campaign is to publicly embrace those brands taking credible and transparent action, and to shame those not willing to be a part of the change.


"There is still a long way to go, but our successes so far prove that when we join together, change is possible," says Greenpeace.


[H/T Upworthy]



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  • #10 Dye Industry


    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/2012-worlds-worst-pollution-problems_n_2007311.html" target="_hplink">"The World's Worst Pollution Problems"</a> list courtesy of the Blacksmith Institute.

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  • #9 Chemical Manufacturing


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  • #8 Product Manufacturing


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  • #7 Artisanal Gold Mining


    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47256343@N08/sets/72157631800901681/">Photos courtesy of the Blacksmith Institute</a>




  • #6 Industrial Estates


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  • #5 Industrial/Municipal Dumpsites


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  • #4 Tannery Operations


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  • #3 Mining And Ore Processing


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  • #2 Lead Smelting


    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47256343@N08/sets/72157631800901681/">Photos courtesy of the Blacksmith Institute</a>




  • #1 Lead-Acid Battery Recycling


    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47256343@N08/sets/72157631800901681/">Photos courtesy of the Blacksmith Institute</a>