St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Biology Department presents Linda Greer to discuss “The Environmental Impact of Fashion” as part of the Natural Science and Mathematics Colloquia series. The talk takes place on Nov. 20 at 4:45 p.m. in Schaefer Hall 106.
Greer will discuss the fashion industry’s surprisingly large environmental footprint, estimated to contribute more than 5 percent to global carbon emissions, 25 percent of global specialty chemicals consumption, and use and pollute nearly 25,000 liters of water per capita annually. More than 90 percent of this impact occurs in China and the rest of the developing world, where forces of globalization have moved production, and environmental oversight is scarce. Greer’s presentation will review the hot spots of environmental impact along the full apparel manufacturing supply chain, from fiber production through consumer end use and will present the most important opportunities the industry has to reduce these impacts. It will feature a handful of the most notable sustainability initiatives undertaken by popular retailers and brands as well.
The Natural Science and Mathematics Colloquia are lectures for the members of St. Mary’s College and the general public to explore new developments in the sciences and mathematics. The lectures are free of charge and open to the public.
