The environmental impact of denim production, particularly the water usage and chemical pollution associated with indigo dyeing and finishing, became a subject of critique in ecopoetry and environmental literature. Poets wrote about the hidden costs of fashion, including the pollution of rivers in countries like Bangladesh and China, where much of the world's denim is produced. This poetic engagement raised awareness about the ecological consequences of denim consumption.

The ecopoetic critique of denim production reflected a broader turn toward environmental consciousness in contemporary poetry, as writers sought to connect the material conditions of production to the cultural significance of clothing. The focus on rivers, dyes, and labor in these poems echoed the work of earlier nature poets while addressing the specific challenges of globalized consumer culture. This critique also aligned with the growing interest in material ecocriticism, a field that has influenced poets and critics alike.