The impact of the fashion industry on the environment and the violation of human rights. The life cycle of clothing and the circular economy as approaches to the ecological damage caused by garment manufacturing

Abstract

Despite its innocent appearance textile industry is directly affecting the environment and violating human rights, which has been increased by fast fashion as a consumption model. This thesis aims to study the prejudice generated during the whole "life cycle" of garments towards nature and the fundamental rights of individuals, from the extraction of raw materials for the creation of the fibres used to make textiles until consumers dispose of them. It points out the European Union’s commitments to minimise the consequences of the current linear model, such as environmental damage and violations of human rights and the consequences of the current linear model. It concludes that the adoption of the circular economy, despite the criticisms it may receive from the scientific community, is a measure that can minimise environmental destruction and represent a turning point in the impact on human rights.