Cloth Washing in Guangdong Province

Greenpeace has found high levels of industrial pollution in two factory towns in Guangdong province, China. Both these towns have economies that center around textile production. Gurao, in Shantou, produces 200 million bras every year and is known as one of China’s leading towns for underwear manufacturing. Xintang, in Zengcheng, is devoted to the complete manufacturing process of jeans, from weaving, dyeing and washing to tailoring and packaging. More than 60% of China’s jeans are produced in Xintang, which also accounts for 40% of all of China’s exported jeans. Greenpeace has documented the severe effect of industrial pollution on the residents of Xintang and Gurao.