“Today we remember those who are suffering from industrial water pollution and celebrate the bravery, passion and persistence of the people around the world working tirelessly to create a toxic-free tomorrow,” said Tianjie Ma, Head of Greenpeace East Asia’s Toxic Campaign.
“Just last month the Chinese government acknowledged for the first time the existence of 'cancer villages' linked to pollution from hazardous chemicals, and signaled their willingness to address toxic water pollution in an open and transparent manner,” said Ma.
“Industry also has a crucial role to play in creating a toxic-free future, and as one of the major contributors toward toxic pollution the textile industry needs to both take responsibility for the issue and work to champion the solutions.”
Since launching in July 2011, the people-powered Detox campaign has managed to convince seventeen international brands including Zara, Levi’s and Victoria’s Secret to commit to eliminate all hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and products. Around the world a groundswell of fashionistas, designers and activists has joined together to demand clothes with a story we can be proud of.”
“Together will continue to expose these big fashion brands and ensure they deliver on their public promises until World Water Day becomes something we celebrate rather than lament,” said Ma.
Greenpeace’s Detox campaign demands fashion brands commit to zero discharge of all hazardous chemicals by 2020 and require their suppliers to disclose all releases of toxic chemicals from their facilities to communities at the site of the water pollution.
