Greenpeace released evidence that hazardous chemical residues in clothing items sold by major brands are released into public waterways when they are washed by consumers. Once entering our rivers, lakes and seas these chemicals then break down into even more toxic and hormone-disrupting substances.
Greenpeace research measures for the first time the percentage of the hazardous chemicals nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) washed out during simulated standard domestic laundering conditions for 14 clothing items.
The results show that consumers of brands such Abercrombie & Fitch, G-Star and Calvin Klein are unknowingly polluting the public water supplies in regions and countries around the world, including those where there are restrictions or bans on the use of these chemicals.
Available material includes footage of the clothes testing process, soundbites from Greenpeace Scientist Kevin Brigden and Greenpeace Campaigner Marietta Harjono plus general shots of fashion brands. Also footage of polluted Chinese waters plus waste water pipe sampling by Greenpeace.
Source: Greenpeace
