In The Community
Earth is facing unprecedented attacks on its ecosystems, from deadly ozone-attacking gasses to deforestation that’s literally ripping out the lungs of the world to a mountain of discarded polysynthetic clothes in the country of Chile that can be seen from the sky. For 14 years, no rain has fallen in Alto Hospicio or the surrounding Atacama Desert region, where tons of clothes are discarded from all over the world.
The dry conditions of the desert, coupled with the nonbiodegradable, predominantly synthetic, petroleum-derived fibers used in modern clothes, meant that the pile never shrank. Instead, for more than two decades, it grew, and with every discarded item, it grew so large it could be seen from space. Startups like Ecocitex are helping solve the issue by recycling discarded clothes and turning them into raw materials. However, the problem requires government action.
On that front, efforts have been underway since 2016 to add textiles to the Extended Liability of the Producer law, or REP law for short, which makes producers and importers accountable for wasting specified materials. Tomás Saieg, head of the Chilean environment ministry’s Circular Economy Office, said to National Geographic, “Converting Chile from a junkyard into a recycling hub would be the dream, but first we have to add textiles to the REP law.
Collective Devastation: Human Rights, Environmental, Late Stage Capitalism
Considering the speed at which fashion trends come and go, and the recent enormous transfer of wealth to billionaires from the middle and working class, it’s only natural that today’s shoppers would be happy to find affordable fashionable options that keep up with fashion trends.
Now add on deeply acculturated consumerism that has people fist-fighting over travel cups and coveting the latest fashion trend that a social media star just talked about, and we have all the ingredients for fast fashion brands to rise like flames for the fashion-hungry moths to gravitate towards.
Fast fashion, pushed by giant brands like Zara, H&M, Forever 21, SHEIN, Fashion Nova, ASOS, and more, has made these companies some of the biggest faces of modern consumerism. These brands are also some of the biggest representatives of unsafe working conditions and wage theft of workers who are often forced to work more than 75 hours per week.
The human devastation these brands, individually and collectively, are causing is, sadly, not being taken seriously by the consumers who continue to provide billions of dollars a year to each of these companies.
As that $8 shirt is shipped from across the world in plastic bags that will end up in landfills, the fast fashion industry also consumes around 93 billion cubic meters of water a year. That’s enough to meet the water needs of as many as 5 million people. Moreover, according to the UN, this industry is responsible for 2 to 8 percent of global carbon emissions.
Fast fashion’s water impact and carbon emissions are not the only issues, though. The environmental impact of this industry runs deeper, not to mention the social impact side of the coin. The more is known about it, the more informed decisions can be made.
The dark side of fashion needs as much light shone on it as possible.
The rise of fast fashion
While fast fashion has skyrocketed in recent years, it has been around since the early 1990s, starting with the fashion store chain Zara’s lighting-fast supply chain. The design, production, distribution, and marketing of fast fashion are lightning-fast, which is how fast fashion brands can offer so much variety at such low prices.
However, if there’s a piece of life wisdom that most people know, it’s that nothing in life is free, everything comes at a price. The price of getting dirt-cheap clothes quickly delivered to our doorstep is paid not only by the environment but also by millions of workers who barely get paid for back-breaking, often unsafe work.
The dark side of fast fashion
As a business model, fast fashion is undeniably profitable, but if we dive deeper, is the damage really worth it? From water depletion to carbon emissions, the industry is notorious for its trail of destruction. It’s also notorious for its waste. As of 2023, 97 million tons of textile waste pile up in landfills every year. This number is predicted to continue rising, with the average American discarding as much as 81.5 pounds of clothes every year.
Moreover, clothing usage has plummeted by almost 40% as people only use garments 7 to 10 times before they dispose of them. The lower the quality of the clothing is, the faster it’s discarded. By 2030, the fashion industry's global emissions are poised to skyrocket by 50% if nothing is done about fast fashion’s impact. When it comes to water waste, fast fashion accounts for 20% of global wastewater.
Not only that, fast fashion also pollutes water resources due to practices like fabric dying and treatment, which involve chemicals. Those chemicals are infused into the water, including things like heavy metals, pesticides, dyes, oil, phenol, and more. In turn, that polluted water can contaminate streams and groundwater. If that water is used for irrigating crops, the food growing out of them will also be contaminated.
Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are staples in fast fashion, pose yet another threat. These materials take centuries to biodegrade, shedding microplastics with each wash. Those microplastics find their way into the oceans, contaminating marine life and ecosystems. It’s estimated that 35% of ocean microplastics come from textile laundering.
Of course, the impact of fast fashion extends beyond the environment. In developing economies, where much of fast fashion production takes place, exploitation is a huge issue. Forced labor, child labor, and awful working conditions are staples in the industry. As is often the case, marginalized communities bear the brunt of it.
A better alternative to fast fashion
As more and more people become aware of the high cost of fast fashion, the slow fashion movement gains more traction. This movement advocates for sustainable practices, mindful consumption, and ethical production. Leaning on slow fashion practices can be an antidote to the rampant consumerism fast fashion inspires.
A lot of people rely on fast fashion because they feel it’s their only alternative to creating a wardrobe. After all, high-quality pieces that are made to last are investments and they can be quite expensive. However, it’s important to remember those aren’t the only options. While saving up to build a more sustainable wardrobe is possible, alternatives like recycling, thrifting, and even renting clothes are great ways to exercise your power as a consumer to effect change. Of course, it’s also possible to abstain from buying clothes altogether when you already have a wardrobe you can work with.
No matter how attractive fast fashion may be, its cost to our planet and our fellow humans is a high price to pay. On this Earth Day, you can be more mindful of how your consumer choices accelerate climate destruction. You can also learn ways to decelerate it by creating more sustainable habits, such as adjusting your attitude about clothes, being more mindful of the clothes you buy, and choosing carefully what kind of brands you support with your hard-earned dollars.
Cities in areas outside of the solar eclipse’s path of totality will still be able to see a percentage of it, from 17 to 63 percent. For example, Southern Californians will see a partial solar eclipse of up to 57% the farther south they are. You can check how much of the solar eclipse you’ll be able to witness on the National Eclipse website.
Whether you catch a total or partial solar eclipse, always ensure safety first - never look directly at the sun! Make sure to follow established guidance for the safest and best eclipse watching. Alternatively, you can tune into live coverage of the solar eclipse on platforms like Hulu and Disney+, or cable channels like ABC, NBC, and CNN.
Solar eclipses are among the most fascinating celestial events surrounded by enormous mystique. For thousands of years, civilizations across the world have interpreted solar eclipses in their own unique ways and integrated them into their religions, culture, and agricultural practices, so it’s no wonder they’re surrounded by myths and mystique. Not to mention solar eclipses also inspire scientific wonder and spirituality.
So what makes solar eclipses so fascinating? We explore.
Total solar eclipses have inspired fear
Photo by Jongsun Lee on UnsplashIn ancient times, a total solar eclipse was quite a scary thing to witness and there were many superstitions around it. Many cultures interpreted total solar eclipses as a sign of doom. Some even believed that they represented battles between celestial beings. From the Chippewa tribes shooting flaming arrows to the heavens to ward off disaster to Norse myths about Loki's antics causing eclipses, fear was the most common reaction to total solar eclipses.
Solar eclipses also had romantic interpretations
Photo by Alejandra Quiroz on UnsplashAt the other end of the spectrum, some cultures weren’t afraid of solar eclipses but actually had romantic interpretations of them. For example, in Australian Aboriginal mythology, the Sun and Moon represented lovers, so a solar eclipse meant that they were coming together. German and Tahitian myths also interpreted solar eclipses as moments of intimacy between celestial partners. That’s much better than the doom and gloom take, in our humble opinion.
Solar eclipses follow predictable cycles
Photo by Andrew Preble on UnsplashAs it turns out, eclipses can be quite predictable. Every 18 months or so, the Moon will get in the way of the Sun somewhere on Earth. Partial eclipses are the most common, where the Moon only covers a part of the Sun, and we get at least 2 of them per year. Total solar eclipses are the most rare, but they still happen every 2 or 3 years somewhere on Earth. Whether we can observe them or not depends on the location, and most of them happen in remote areas, often over the ocean.
There are different types of solar eclipses
Photo by Fahd Hasis on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, that’s right! There are four types of solar eclipses: total, partial, annular, and hybrid. What makes each of them different is the way the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, though it also depends on the location from where you’re watching. Whatever type of solar eclipse you happen to witness, it will be a unique experience that doesn’t happen very often.
The duration of solar eclipses varies a lot
Solar eclipses may be predictable, but it’s very difficult to tell how long they will last. A total solar eclipse usually lasts a few minutes, but in some rare cases, they’ve lasted 7 minutes or more. What’s certain is that even if a solar eclipse only lasts a few seconds, watching its effect and the kind of eerie spectacle that it offers is unforgettable and awe-inspiring.
Solar eclipses have been important throughout history
Photo by Patrick Hendry on UnsplashA surprising thing about solar eclipses is that they’ve left quite a mark on history. Why? Because they’ve altered certain events in unexpected ways. For example, the ancient Battle of Halys, which is known as the Battle of the Eclipse, was actually interrupted by a sudden solar eclipse in 585 BCE. Eclipses have been shaping history in very interesting ways, so it’s fun to look back and see how they’ve led to certain outcomes.
Solar eclipses offer valuable scientific insights
Photo by Jaredd Craig on UnsplashSolar eclipses not only have cultural significance, they’re also invaluable in the scientific community. For example, solar eclipses have helped researchers observe the outer atmosphere of the Sun, which has helped to expand our understanding of solar physics. Solar eclipses offer amazing opportunities to uncover more knowledge, so they’re exciting events for scientists studying the nature of space.
Solar eclipses offer moments for introspection
Photo by freestocks on UnsplashIf you’re into astrology and spiritual wellness, solar eclipses are important moments to look out for. They’re considered to be times of intense energy, making them great moments for introspection and release. They’re also interpreted as times of profound change and transformation, so if you’ve been carrying something for a while, solar eclipses are an invitation to relax, let go, and embrace the new.
They’re ripe for personal reflection
Photo by Sage Friedman on UnsplashWhether you go all out and watch solar eclipses through a telescope or just watch from your balcony, the moment is perfect for personal reflection and meditation. Solar eclipses can have quite a contemplative effect, so they can be deeply spiritual experiences. They invite us to pause and reflect on our place in the universe, and we can find a lot of meaning in that. Especially in times when we feel disconnected from everything.
Solar eclipses can affect animals
Photo by Lindz Marsh on UnsplashIf you have pets, you should keep an eye on them during a solar eclipse because it can cause some animals to be confused. This effect can be easily observed in birds. They will stop singing or tuck themselves away to sleep because they think it’s nighttime, and this can also happen with certain mammals! It’s nothing to worry about, just don’t be surprised if your pets start acting like it’s bedtime during a solar eclipse.
- Latinos and Extraterrestrial Life: A Cosmic Connection? ›
- American Tourists Block Locals in Mexico from Eclipse Watch - Luz Media ›
With a booming influx of tourists, investors, expats, and floating residents, the once-small Mexican village is now a tourist haven that’s becoming unrecognizable by the day. Since 2010 the population in Tulum increased by 65%. There’s no doubting Tulum’s attractiveness, but there’s a price for paradise, and the environment and the local residents are paying the tab.
the tropical coastline of Tulum, Mexicovia unsplash Darren Lawrence
Fake Eco-Tourism
“Greenwashing” is a term that’s grown substantially in the past decade. The term refers to false or misleading marketing tactics that businesses use to market themselves as environmentally sustainable/friendly without actually making investments into business practices that help them deliver on those eco-friendly promises.
Many of Tulum’s newer residents have come from all over the world, opening new businesses, buying real estate, and driving tourism into the town. Though business might be booming, Tulum’s local infrastructure is struggling to catch up with the demands. The lack of infrastructure directly contributes to the environmental devastation occurring in large scale across Tulum.
The Yucatán contains the largest underground freshwater system in the world and was especially important to the Mayans as they utilized the cenotes, or sinkholes, that formed along the Yucatán as their main water source. The Mayans also believed that the cenotes acted as gateways to the underworld where their gods and spirits rested. Nowadays, tourists see those same cenotes as an attraction to experience and a perfect backdrop for social media posts, but recent findings show that as much as 80% of the cenotes are polluted due to improper disposal of garbage, pesticides, and even raw sewage.
A woman swimming in one of Tulum’s cenotes.
via unsplash Mathilde Langevin
Along with the lack of infrastructure exists the sewage issue: much of Tulum’s “eco-friendly” resorts don’t have adequate sewage, and many of the new construction projects aren’t being connected into an existing network that can sustain the current population, let alone the ever expanding foreign population.
It’s estimated that as many as 80% of Tulum’s resorts do not have adequate sewage, leading to the contamination of the aforementioned Yucatán. Many of the beloved trendy places to visit run on gas generators, leading to both noise and air pollution to power most of Tulum beach. The failure of the notoriously corrupt local and federal government to enact and enforce legislation to protect Tulum’s environment is a direct cause of this, with developers paying top dollar to local officials that are all too happy to develop the land as quickly as possible.
There are also large economic impacts with the rise of newcomers to Tulum: many of the high-priced boutique hotels, vegan restaurants, yoga studios, and more that continue to draw in the “eco chic” tourists don’t actually generate any economic development opportunities for the locals. With many of the “eco-friendly” resorts charging nightly rates comparable to that of major U.S cities like New York and Los Angeles, the employees, local to the area, aren’t seeing their wages rise to reflect that.
The average monthly wage in Tulum is reported at $7,000 pesos, which in today’s exchange rate, is $336 dollars. Worse yet, that wage rate has remained largely unchanged since 2011.
Instead we’re seeing wealthy expats lining their pockets, and those of the local politicians and cartels, with the profit of their earnings while the local economy continues to stagnate in poverty wages. Without policy protecting workers, the environment, and local infrastructure Tulum is destined to become a wasteland that won’t ever be recovered.
Challenges Amidst Tourist Boom
Tulum has a brand-new international airport, and while the airport currently handles domestic flights exclusively, the outset of international flights has been scheduled for March 2024.
Simultaneously, the Mayan Train project unfolds—a colossal 1,500-kilometer railway connecting Palenque to Chetumal. This route goes through biological reserves, indigenous communities, and archaeological sites.
The inaugural phase, which spans 892 kilometers from Palenque to Cancún, was opened in December 2023. The following sections are expected to be open by February 2024.
Concerns loom large about the impact of new access roads that greenlight excessive growth that does not take into account strategic planning to prioritize the authentic and sustainable well-being of the local community and the environment. Striking a balance is crucial to prevent the compromise of Yucatán's rich cultural, biological, and environmental heritage.
The Future
There’s light at the end of the tunnel though - reports have found cleanups are underway for some cenotes in both Tulum and nearby Cancun, where high contamination rates were cited as risks for human health and the environment. The biggest factor in changing Tulum's local economy though, lies in tourists' hands.
While some tourists are attracted to “eco-friendly” travel, many aren’t doing the work to verify if these places are truly practicing what they preach. By looking for sustainable green and red flags when traveling, consumers can hold these resorts accountable for their environmentally friendly images and decide if they actually deserve your money.
Staying at resorts that utilize renewable energy sources such as solar or wind energy, limit electricity usage (common in tropical communities), provide water purification services, and practice responsible sewage practices that doesn't damage the local ecosystem are all ways of supporting the right kinds of business.
When in doubt, opt out of that trendy vegan place and look to support something locally owned that benefits Tulum’s local community. Listening to and respecting indigenous communities advocating for their environment is one of the most vital pieces of the puzzle, as these communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental devastation.
Consumers have a lot more power than they think. The power of the wallet can send a clear message that places like Tulum should be protected, and the money will stop flowing without that. Ultimately, it's up to individuals to care more about respecting the environment and the residents than their Instagram posts.
- Beyond the ‘Gram: Vacations with Cultura as the Destination - Luz Media ›
- Tulum Moves Forward with Airport Despite Ecological Destruction and Poor Infrastructure - Luz Media ›
- Wiped Out: From Major Grant to Drained Bank Accounts - Luz Media ›
- 10 Easy Ways to Live Sustainably ›
- Expat If You’re an American in Latin America, Immigrant If You’re a Latino in the U.S. - Luz Media ›
