The denim industry has a significant environmental footprint. From water-intensive cotton farming to chemical-heavy dyeing and finishing processes, producing a single pair of jeans can require thousands of litres of water and generate substantial pollution. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, understanding the impact of our denim choices—and the alternatives available—becomes increasingly important.
This guide explores the environmental challenges of denim production and provides practical strategies for making more sustainable jorts purchases.
The Environmental Cost of Conventional Denim
Water Usage
Cotton is notoriously thirsty. Growing enough cotton for a single pair of jeans requires approximately 7,500 litres of water—equivalent to the amount one person drinks over seven years. This water usage is concentrated in regions that often already face water scarcity issues.
Beyond agriculture, denim finishing processes add to the water burden. Traditional washing and distressing techniques can use hundreds of additional litres per garment, and the wastewater often contains chemicals harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
Chemical Pollution
Conventional cotton farming relies heavily on pesticides and fertilisers. Cotton covers about 2.5% of global cultivated land but accounts for approximately 16% of insecticide use worldwide. These chemicals contaminate soil and water systems and pose health risks to farm workers.
The dyeing process adds another layer of chemical concern. Traditional indigo dyeing uses synthetic compounds, and finishing treatments often involve formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other toxic substances. Without proper treatment, these chemicals end up in waterways.
Carbon Footprint
From farming to manufacturing to transportation, denim production generates significant carbon emissions. Global supply chains mean your jorts might have travelled thousands of kilometres before reaching you—cotton grown in one country, spun in another, woven somewhere else, sewn together elsewhere, and finally shipped to Australia.
The fashion industry as a whole accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater. Denim, due to its resource-intensive production, represents a significant portion of this impact.
What Makes Denim Sustainable
Several factors contribute to denim sustainability, and no single approach addresses all concerns. Look for brands that tackle multiple areas:
Organic and Regenerative Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, reducing chemical pollution and often using less water through better farming practices. Regenerative agriculture goes further, using methods that actively improve soil health and sequester carbon.
Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which covers both organic growing and ethical manufacturing standards.
Recycled Materials
Recycled denim diverts textile waste from landfills and requires less water and energy than virgin production. Some brands use post-consumer recycled denim (from old garments) or post-industrial recycled cotton (from manufacturing waste).
Recycled cotton fibres are typically shorter than virgin fibres, sometimes requiring blending with new cotton or other materials for durability. Quality recycled denim can be just as durable as conventional options.
Water-Efficient Production
Innovative finishing techniques dramatically reduce water usage:
- Ozone finishing: Uses ozone gas instead of water for fading and distressing
- Laser technology: Creates worn-in effects without water-based washes
- Foam dyeing: Uses foam instead of water baths, reducing water use by up to 90%
- Recycled water systems: Treat and reuse water throughout production
Natural and Low-Impact Dyes
Natural indigo (from the indigofera plant) replaces synthetic dyes, though it's more expensive and less consistent. Low-impact synthetic dyes reduce the toxic compounds released during dyeing. Some brands use pre-reduced indigo that eliminates the need for harmful reducing agents.
- GOTS: Covers organic fibres and fair labour
- OEKO-TEX: Tests for harmful substances in finished products
- B Corp: Holistic certification of company sustainability
- Fair Trade: Focuses on worker welfare and fair wages
- bluesign: Addresses chemical inputs in textile production
Buying Sustainable Jorts
Research Before Purchasing
Check brand websites for sustainability information. Look for specific commitments and measurable goals rather than vague claims like "eco-friendly" or "green." Transparency about supply chains is a good sign. Be wary of greenwashing—some brands use sustainability as marketing without making substantive changes.
Consider Secondhand
The most sustainable garment is one that already exists. Buying secondhand or vintage jorts extends the life of existing products and prevents new production. Op shops, online marketplaces, and vintage stores offer quality denim at lower prices with zero new environmental impact.
Invest in Quality
A well-made pair of jorts that lasts five years has a lower per-wear environmental impact than cheap shorts replaced annually. Higher upfront costs often mean better materials and construction. Consider cost-per-wear rather than purchase price.
Care for Longevity
Extending the life of your existing jorts reduces the need for new purchases. Wash less frequently, repair damage promptly, and store properly between seasons. These habits compound over time to significantly reduce your denim footprint.
The Role of Care in Sustainability
How you maintain your jorts affects their environmental impact:
- Wash cold: Heating water accounts for most of the energy used in washing
- Wash less: Every wash uses water, energy, and causes wear
- Line dry: Tumble drying uses significant energy
- Use eco-friendly detergent: Conventional detergents contain phosphates and other pollutants
- Avoid microfibre pollution: Synthetic blends release plastic microfibres when washed; use a guppy bag if your denim contains elastane
Before buying any garment, ask yourself if you'll wear it at least 30 times. This simple test helps avoid impulse purchases that end up unworn and ensures new additions to your wardrobe are genuinely useful.
End of Life Considerations
When your jorts finally can't be worn anymore:
Donate if Wearable
Jorts in decent condition can find new life with someone else. Charity shops, textile recycling bins, and clothing swaps keep wearable items in circulation.
Repurpose
Denim that's too worn to wear can become cleaning rags, craft materials, or patches for other garments. Get creative before throwing anything away.
Textile Recycling
Some brands and councils accept textiles for recycling. While textile recycling infrastructure is still developing in Australia, options are expanding. Check if your local council offers textile recycling or if any brands you shop with have take-back programs.
Composting
100% cotton denim is technically compostable, though the indigo dye and any synthetic threads or labels should be removed first. Cut into small pieces and add to a hot compost system—this works best for denim that's truly at the end of its usable life.
The Bigger Picture
Individual choices matter, but systemic change requires industry transformation. Supporting brands that invest in sustainable practices encourages others to follow. Advocating for better environmental regulations and transparency in fashion supply chains amplifies individual impact.
Perfect sustainability in denim may not be achievable given current technology and systems, but progress is possible. Every choice that reduces water usage, eliminates toxic chemicals, or extends a garment's life moves the industry in the right direction. Making thoughtful jorts purchases—and caring for them well—is a practical way to reduce your fashion footprint while still enjoying quality denim.