Retail giants H&M, Marks & Spencer, Zara and others have been accused of purchasing material from factories in Asia which are turning rivers black with toxic pollution. According to campaign group Changing Markets Foundation, the retailers are buying material from Chinese and Indian viscose factories. Despite it often being promoted as an ethical fibre as it is plant-based, these factories use a chemical intensive process which produces dangerous pollutants. The waste from the viscose manufacturing process is reportedly putting locals’ health at risk, contaminating drinking water and raising the likelihood cancer. Changing Markets Foundation’s report stated that in Jiangxi, south-east China, the production of viscose has turned the water of a local lake black, killing wildlife and stunting crop growth. READ MORE: M&S launches new environmentally sustainable & community-focused plan Furthermore in Pradesh, India, a spike in birth defects and cancer has been reported after the ground water and soil was contaminated by viscose waste. “Cheap production, which is driven by the fast fashion industry, combined with lax enforcement of environmental regulations in China, India and Indonesia, is proving to be a toxic mix,” Changing Markets’ report said. Changing Markets campaign manager Natasha Hurley added: “This report reveals that some of the world’s biggest brands are turning a blind eye to questionable practices within their…