How the clothing system in the Global North destroy lives
“With over 80 billion clothes manufactured every year, the fashion industry is one of the fastest-growing contributors to pollution in the world. Fast fashion brands like H&M, Zara and Primark are churning out cheap, new clothes every few days, fuelling us to shop more than ever before. This constant demand is having a major impact on the environment and the lives of those where the cheap fabric is being produced.
Nicknamed "The world's most polluted river", the nearly 300km long Citarum River in Indonesia, is the lifeline for 20 million people who live along the river and rely on its water for growing food, drinking, and bathing. Positioned along the river are over 1000 textile factories, which use the Citarum as a dumping area, disposing over 340,000 tonnes of wastewater daily.
Contaminating the water with lead, aluminium and iron, which changes the colour of the water in some areas. The river flows through groundwater and into local wells, causing nearby residents to suffer rashes, skin disease, and lung inflammation. Growing up in one of the villages along the river, Iim and Nung have been directly affected by the increasing pollution from the textile factories. With no other water supply in the village, Nung is forced to use the water daily. Resulting in contracting a skin disease from the polluted water. She is unable to afford the medication to cure it.
Her sister in law, Iim, a mother of 3, lost her husband to tuberculosis whilst working at one of the factories. Now struggling to support her children, Iim was forced to borrow money and is now in debt. Working in a small store she sells pancakes for 5p to cover daily expenses whilst paying off what she owes.
We came across their story whilst visiting the Majalaya village along the river. Desperate to be heard they shared their story with us in the hope that they can be helped. Today, we invite you to gift them with a better life, and an even better future! Whilst watching the change you'll make to their lives!”
Special thanks to Harti Jannah & Adinda Az Zahra for your support.
Verse Stories is a platform telling the stories of those effected behind the headlines and gives readers ways to help change the lives in every story. Donate 100% to those in need & watch the change you’ll make.. To donate to Iim and Nung, visit versestories.org
