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Faculty Advisor

Dr. Christie Klimas

Abstract

Second only to oil, the fashion industry is one of the most pollutive industries globally. Due to the rise of fast fashion, this environmental issue is continually growing. The level of production has dramatically increased while quality of apparel has decreased, causing shorter garment lifespans. This research utilizes life cycle assessment to identify the environmental impacts of various textiles used in the production of t-shirts, including cotton, polyester, viscose, and elastane. The research scope focuses from material extraction through garment disposal. The life cycle assessment research is paired with a community survey to determine consumer behavioral patterns surrounding clothing consumption and sustainability. Of the four fibers studied, viscose was found to be the most emissive. The drying phase of the t-shirt’s life cycle was found to be by far the most impactful stage, accounting for more than half of a shirt’s total emissions. Results from the community survey determined that individuals who were more willing to mend their clothes reported a higher care for sustainable clothing. Focusing efforts on promoting alternative drying methods will produce the greatest short-term reduction in emissions related to fashion. Conducting further research to better understand how long individuals actually retain clothing items in the era of fast fashion and how to promote reduced consumption is needed elicit long-term change for the sustainable fashion industry.

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