Pollution and Polluting Industries -Environmental Health Campaign

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

POLLUTION AND POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

A comprehensive guide to becoming a more conscious consumer. Easy steps you can take to support a sustainable future for generations to come.

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POLLUTION AND OUR HEALTH

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

POLLUTION AND POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

Pollution and our Health What is pollution?

Pollution is the presence or introduction of any material and/or substance into the environment that may be toxic, or otherwise harmful. Usually pollutants, or substances that cause pollution, are a product of human activity. These substances can range from the emissions produced by factories or cars, oil spills, and even our waste. Waste is a big concern in terms of pollution. The key players are plastic waste, technological and electronic waste, chemical and toxic waste, and food waste. Each type of waste impacts the environment differently, and interactions between two or more of them can have catastrophic effects. Not only does pollution harm the environment, but it can damage our health too.

How can pollution impact our health?

Pollution can affect our health, both directly and indirectly. The indirect impacts of pollution on our health are related to climate change caused by emissions, and the direct impacts are those that come from human contact with pollutants.

These can take the form of respiratory illnesses from air pollution, birth defects, neurological disorders, developmental disorders, cancers from toxic waste, inflammation, toxicity, and cancers from exposure to microplastics in the environment.

Unfortunately, pollution takes its greatest toll on human health in disadvantaged or low-income communities that do not have the means to implement adequate pollution control strategies.

Furthermore, wealthier countries have been known to dispose of their waste, particularly chemical and technological waste, in low-income regions in exchange for minimal pay. This manifests itself as a hidden plague of pollution-related illnesses that governments try to downplay or hide.

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Pollution and our Health What are the environmental impacts of pollution?

Environmental pollution is defined as when the Earth, its surrounding atmosphere, the organisms that inhabit it, and the complex networks they work through, are spoiled or defiled, to the point that they can no longer function as before.

The rate at which man-made pollution is released into the environment is overloading the Earth’s system, causing catastrophic and often irreversible changes to the unique conditions that have sustained life on Earth for millions of years.

Pollution in the form of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, is the single biggest driver of climate change and global warming. Aside from enhancing the greenhouse effect and making our planet warmer, leading to changing weather patterns and more extreme weather events, these gases also make our oceans more acidic and the air we breathe more toxic. Ocean acidification has destroyed vast areas of coral reefs, which are critical ecosystems for supporting marine life and protecting coastal areas from storm surges and erosion. As we lose these habitats, we lose marine biodiversity, and this will further drive the rapid loss of marine life that has already been massively depleted by over-fishing.

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POLLUTION AND POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

Pollution and our Health What are the environmental impacts of pollution?

Water pollution is another matter of concern, particularly in relation to industry. When chemicals such as fertilizers from farmland enter a lake or marine environment they can induce eutrophication, or prolific algal growth, which kills all other plants and animals in the surrounding water. If the pollutants are toxic, such as heavy metals from industrial sites, they can have effects on a much greater scale than just the immediate area. These toxins enter the food chain and can remain in the bodies of animals for a long time. Through prolonged exposure, these toxins can accumulate within plants and animals. The concentration of toxins increases further up the food chain.

This process is called bioaccumulation and can have serious impacts on the health of organisms, leading to reproductive issues and birth defects.

Other materials, such as plastics, also pose a great threat to ecosystems. Plastics take a long time to break down and can be harmful to animals who may ingest or get caught in them. When broken down, plastics take the form of microplastics, which are also found in many consumer products. It is hypothesized that microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and distribute them throughout ecosystems. As these particles are so small, they can be ingested, and there is fear that the ingestion of microplastics could lead to the bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals, which may harm humans in addition to other organisms in the food chain.

FAST FASHION AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

Fast Fashion and the Textiles Industry What is fast fashion?

Fast fashion is an industry that relies on lax environmental and human rights regulations to produce vast quantities of clothing for a relatively low cost. Many major high street shops, with outlets all over the world, are involved in this industry. Driven by competition between brands, companies continue to push prices down to keep their steady clientele. In doing so, the money that goes toward ensuring safe and fair working conditions for garment makers and limiting environmental impacts decreases. Many big brands have come under scrutiny in recent years for their involvement with the industry. Although some have released new ‘sustainable’ lines, the low costs of these so-called ‘sustainable’ items are questionable. Not only is fast fashion an unethical industry, but it is also one of the biggest polluters of all global industries, and is rapidly growing, despite severe criticism.

POLLUTION AND POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

POLLUTION AND POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

Fast Fashion and the Textiles Industry Why are fast fashion and textiles considered polluting industries?

Fast fashion is a relatively new phenomenon, driven by the rise in online shopping. At present, the industry accounts for approximately 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change expects this value to rise to 60% by 2030. The fashion industry is also the second-largest consumer of water, using approximately 2,000 gallons (9,090 litres) to produce one pair of jeans.

In addition to using huge quantities of water to produce textiles, the dyes used to give our clothes color are the second-largest polluter of water in the world. With inadequate environmental mitigation measures put in place by cost-cutting companies, these dyes and other chemicals leak into waterways and soils, and end up accumulating in the environment, damaging both the health of ecosystems and the living things that rely on them, including humans.

Cheaper materials, such as polyester, also contain high levels of microplastics that enter the environment during production or through continuous washing by the consumer. It is estimated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that 35% of all microplastics in the ocean originate from textiles.

The accumulation of microplastics in the environment may have serious consequences for human health. This remains an understudied topic, but following the recent observation of plastics in the human bloodstream, research efforts are due to intensify.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

Fast Fashion and the Textiles Industry How do the pollutants from textile production impact human health?

The toxic chemicals used in the production of textiles can enter the body through the skin, or by ingestion or inhalation. These chemicals are often carcinogenic or mutagenic, meaning they can cause uncontrolled cell growth or cell damage, and cause cancer. Certain dyes, specifically azo dyes, have led to the development of bladder cancer in individuals working in the industry.

The most common health issues associated with textile production are dermatological conditions, which arise when individuals have repeated or prolonged skin contact with the toxic chemicals. Some skin conditions can be so severe that they become debilitating, meaning that affected individuals can no longer live their lives normally.

How can I tell if the clothing or textiles I buy contribute to fast fashion?

In most cases, it is easier to determine which garments are not a product of fast fashion than those which are. Companies that have made commitments to environmental sustainability and human rights typically advertise them and usually display the relevant certifications, such as BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), Certified B Corporation, Fairtrade, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production).

The slow fashion industry usually sells products at a higher price and is less mass-produced.

For example, we are more likely to find slow fashion in locally-owned or boutique stores than in common high street brands.

POLLUTION AND POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

POLLUTION AND POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

Fast Fashion and the Textiles Industry How can I reduce my consumption of fast fashion?

The first step to take to reduce our consumption of fast fashion is to reduce the amount of clothing we buy. Next, it might be a good idea to identify the places where fast fashion is sold, and limit or eliminate our buying of their products. When considering new clothing pieces, we should first evaluate whether we really need them. Just because our ‘old’ clothes are no longer in fashion does not mean they should be thrown away.

When buying new clothes, make sure that the product comes from a sustainable source. This could be a shop that falls under the category of slow fashion, or one that sells or repurposes second-hand clothing. Many sustainable clothing brands will opt to use recycled or biological materials and avoid the use of toxic chemicals in the production of their garments. We can determine the sustainability of the materials used by checking the label. If the product contains cotton, try to ensure that it is organic, and always avoid clothing with synthetic fibres such as polyester.

Although the higher price of more sustainable options may be off-putting, remember that not only are these products of better quality, meaning they last longer, but it also ensures better environmental outcomes and human rights for those involved in production.

ELECTRONIC WASTE

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Electronic Waste What is electronic waste?

Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to the disposal of electronic items such as phones, televisions, fridges, and other household appliances. Many of these items have reached the end of their lives, but with the proliferation of electronics companies, fierce competition leads to new ‘and improved’ models being developed at a staggering rate, meaning consumers are buying and disposing of electronics at a higher rate than ever before.

E-waste is currently the fastest-growing waste generation stream in the world, with projections estimating that we could be producing 74.7 million metric tons of electronic waste by 2030.

Most electronic products can be recycled, but due to the high costs of this process, less than 25% of global e-waste is recycled. When e-waste is improperly managed, harmful chemicals, such as lead and mercury, can leach from the products and enter the environment, the consequences of which can be dire for the health of people and our planet. A key issue in the management of e-waste is that many wealthy countries ship their waste to low-income countries, where it is processed under cheap and improper conditions. The International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) tries to address this issue and raise awareness about the health risks of e-waste, particularly for those who work under dangerous conditions to dispose of or repurpose it.

What are the health impacts of electronic waste?

Exposure to the harmful chemicals that leach from e-waste, particularly when workers are extracting gold or copper for re-selling, can have several adverse health effects, especially for expectant mothers and young children. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with some of these harmful chemicals, such as lead or mercury, it can impact the development of her unborn child. Some of these potential impacts include stillbirths, premature births, low birth weight, and birth defects. These defects can also take the form of neurological disorders and DNA damage. As well as that, young children who are exposed to the chemicals can suffer from lung infections and other respiratory illnesses, impaired thyroid function, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.

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Electronic Waste How can I help to reduce electronic waste?

The most rudimentary change we can all make to reduce electronic waste is to look after the electronics that we own and limit our consumption of new products. Although the electronics industry convinces us that we all need the newest and most up-to-date version of products, in reality this is a marketing scheme, and when cared for correctly, our products can last a lot longer than some may think. In addition to preventing the amount of electronic waste produced, prolonging the life of our electronic products can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. The Oeko-Institut in Germany determined that using the same TV for 13 years instead of 6 could save 660kg of greenhouse gases. Whereas using a smartphone for 7 years instead of two could save 100kg of greenhouse gases.

Some easy steps that we can take to prolong the life of the products we own include buying protective cases, keeping them clean and well-serviced, and preventing overcharging. When our electronics are nearing the end of their life, evaluate their condition. Is it fixable? Try taking the device to a repair shop first before choosing to buy a new product. There is a high chance that with minimal repair work, the product will be usable for at least a few more months.

It is also essential to re-evaluate our consumption of electronics that are not necessarily replacements for old products, asking ourselves whether we really need the extra gadget or not and instead investigate if there are perhaps alternatives that have multiple functions so that we can reduce the number of gadgets we need. We should also look out for environmentally friendly electronics, such as those made from recycled materials and those which are more energy efficient. We can determine the efficiency of a product by its ‘Energy Star’. This not only applies to phones and computers, but also other appliances, such as the ones we may have in our kitchens.

Unfortunately, electronic products cannot last forever. It is inevitable that at some point we will have to retire our gadgets. When doing this, make sure that electronics and their batteries are recycled appropriately. Look out for specific recycling services for these materials, e.g., what countries they are available in. If a product is no longer of use to the original owner but may be for other people, try to sell the product or donate it to initiatives which are looking for used electronics.

FOOD WASTE

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Food Waste What is food waste?

Simply put, food waste is all the food that is produced but is not consumed. This happens at various stages along the production cycle, from cultivation to the consumer. In fact, 78% of food waste occurs before it reaches the consumer. Let’s break down the supply chain to see where food is lost at every step.

Producers There is often an over-emphasis on the quality and aesthetic of produce, especially f ruit and vegetables, particularly when producers supply large supermarket chains. If the product does not meet specifications, the farmer will not get paid. Therefore, many producers dispose of imperfect products on the field, where they lay to rot.

Handling, Storage, and Processing Financial, technical, and managerial constraints, particularly in developing countries, mean that facilities for food storage are often insufficiently large or cool to store and handle large quantities of food. Unfortunately, this means that food will go bad before it can be processed or packaged and, therefore, never makes it to the distribution phase.

Distribution and Retail Here, large quantities of food are wasted when sell-by dates dictate the period of time a product can remain on a shelf, even if it is still safe to consume.

Particularly in high-income countries, people demand that supermarkets are always stocked with a huge variety of products from all over the globe. These products must also typically be in ‘peak’ condition, meaning that products that may be slightly old, for example, will not sell. While some supermarkets try to encourage customers to buy products that are nearing their sell-by date by reducing the price, many simply throw away products once they can no longer be legally sold.

The same happens at restaurants, which often must cook a lot more than they need just in case there are a lot of customers. If these customers do not arrive, there is only a limited amount of time that the food can be kept before it is thrown away.

MARKET

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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

Food Waste How much food is wasted on average?

It is estimated that 60 million tonnes of food are thrown out every year in the United States alone. Globally, we waste approximately ⅓ of the food that is produced every year, which is equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes of produce that either never reaches the consumer or is disposed of before it can be consumed. The United Nations Environment Program found that food waste amounts to approximately US$ 680 billion in industrialized countries, and about half that in developing countries, although both industrialized and developing countries produce approximately the same quantity of food waste.

When considering the per capita waste by consumers, however, the average individual in Europe or North America will produce 95-115kg per year, whereas those in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia produce 6-11kg per year. Around 50% of food waste takes the form of fruits and vegetables, with cereals and animal products being the second and third biggest contributors, respectively.

Most importantly, if even just ¼ of the food that we waste globally was saved, we could feed 870 million people currently suffering from starvation.

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Food Waste How does food waste pollute the environment?

Food is an organic product, meaning that it will decompose when left in the environment. When food is wasted and ends up in a landfill, or is left in the fields to rot, it releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Approximately 6-8% of annual greenhouse gas emissions come from food waste. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) predicts that nearly ⅓ of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions to date come from food waste. Furthermore, when we waste food, we are effectively wasting all the energy and water that was used to produce it. For example, throwing away a 1-pound steak, which would typically feed two people, also wastes 1,847 gallons of water, or enough to fill 39 bathtubs to the top.

How can I reduce my food waste?

As consumers, we directly contribute to 22% of SHOPPING LIST global food waste. While it is easiest to address food waste in the home or when eating out at restaurants, for example, we can also make changes that can reduce the amount of food that gets wasted at other points of the production chain.

At home, we can reduce food waste by becoming more conscious of our food consumption. Shopping from a list and planning meals means you will not have a surplus of food in your fridge. By planning meals, we can also make sure that we use more perishable products at the start of the week, leaving those that last longer until later in the week. The end of the week is also a good time to get creative in the kitchen and use up all that is in our fridges before our next shopping trip.

This is also linked to having a better understanding of the dates on your food items – what is still edible, and what could be potentially harmful to our health.

At restaurants, as well as when cooking at home, try to be conscious of how much food we are having.

By limiting portions, we limit the amount of wasted food. If we do happen to order or cook too much, we can save it for another time. Most restaurants are more than happy to put food in a to-go box if a customer cannot finish it. At home, leftovers can be put in the freezer or repurposed for a meal the next day.

At supermarkets, look for products that are both local and in season. Some supermarkets have a special collection of fresh produce marked as ‘‘ugly.’’ These products do not meet the aesthetic requirements of most supermarket chains and are often disposed of on the fields, acting as the biggest contributor to food waste. These products are perfect to eat – the flavour and texture will be normal, they just may not look like the ideal carrot, for example.

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