Toxic fashion and the conservation of nature

Abstract

Chemicals are used in each step of textile production, and they often harm nature. Both the use of chemicals within the EU as well as the import of textiles from third countries are regulated by chemicals legislation which has the power to protect not only humans, but also the environment. This power, however, is not used sufficiently: nature is protected only where it is beneficial for humans. This gap can sometimes be closed by non-coercive instruments and civil society itself.