If you have purchased new clothing within the past few years, the chances are that those items were made through a process called fast fashion. This term has been rapidly growing in popularity in recent years, and many of the world’s largest retailers are currently fast fashion brands. However, most people are still unaware of what fast fashion is and its environmental and social issues. Here we will explore the truth about fast fashion and suggest sustainable alternative options.
Image is courtesy of earth.org.
What is Fast Fashion?
In recent years, you may have noticed that clothes have become cheaper and the change in fashion trends have sped up, resulting in people purchasing garments more rapidly than in previous years. That cycle is made possible due to fast fashion: a designing, manufacturing, distributing and marketing method. This business model allows clothing items to be produced rapidly in high volumes, and therefore sold at a much lower price. Fast fashion provides consumers with the possibility of keeping up with the constantly changing trend styles at a very cheap price point because the items use cheap materials and labor performed by the garment workers.
Negative Impacts Caused by Fast Fashion
As much as we like to own inexpensive, trendy outfits and styles, there is an ultimate price that has to be paid with the usage of fast fashion and the additional growing demands of the fashion industry. The whole supply chain of these clothes, from manufacturing to retail, affects many aspects of society environmentally and socially. Below are just a few examples of the impacts of fast fashion; it is important to recognize that there are many more consequences out there.
Water consumption and water pollution
According to the UN Environment Programme, the fashion industry is the second biggest consumer of water. It is estimated that clothing production uses around 1.5 trillion litres of water every year, and this number is continuing to increase as fast fashion rises. At the same time, the manufacturing process heavily pollutes water due to textile dyeing. The toxic chemicals used are often dumped into natural water streams and left untreated, which ultimately affects the health of humans and aquatic life.
The untreated toxic chemicals from fast fashion factories in the ocean waters in Greenpeace (princeton.edu).
Contribution to carbon emissions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calculated that the fashion industry produces 8-10% of the global carbon dioxide emissions annually, which is a result of the entire supply chain. Beginning with the manufacturing process, most fast fashion factories use synthetic fibres, mainly polyester and nylon, which are obtained from fossil fuels and are non-biodegradable. The made clothing pieces are then often transported locally and overseas, burning large quantities of carbon dioxide during the process. Finally, the last step of disposing of non-biodegradable clothing in landfills releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, worsening climate change.
Effects on consumers
Even though you might be unaware, wearing fast fashion clothing may expose you to many toxic and harmful chemicals. Investigations have shown that there are extreme levels of lead, PFAS, and phthalate chemicals in the selling pieces of fast fashion. Exposure to these substances can harm one’s organs and systems, leading to many diseases such as cancer and even diabetes.
Impact on garment workers
Other than the effects on consumers, the workers that make the garments is also at risk. They are exposed to the same chemicals mentioned above, and on top of that, they face forced labor. These workers perform their job under unsafe conditions for long hours while receiving minimum wage. Many workers’ human rights are also violated during this process as they often experience physical abuse. In general, there are over 40 million garment workers today, and approximately 80% of them are young women between the ages of 18 and 24.
Alternative options
Thrift shopping
Thrift shopping at local thrift stores, garage sales, or flea markets are a great way of finding gently used items at much lower prices. It is a great option for everyone regardless of income because you can find both cheap and luxury items, or sometimes even vintage clothing. Thrifting should definitely be the go-to for purchasing items for special occasions that will only be worn once or twice. Other than that, it is just as important to donate your old clothes to thrift stores so the cycle of ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ can continue for the future.
Sustainable brands
For people who prefer to own new items on the market, buying from ethical and sustainable brands is the best option. These brands focus on quality and environmental impacts to promote durability. Although it is more expensive than thrift shopping, you can receive longer-lasting items without posing such extreme environmental and social consequences.
Revamp your old clothes
Many people own a full closet of clothing that has not been worn for years because the pieces are out of style, or simply just boring. Instead of throwing them away, you can easily revamp them to give them a new life. There are many tutorials online that you can follow to fix items that are too big or too small, and you can even change the structure and colour to fit current trends.
Conclusion
Even though fast fashion is an inexpensive method of adding to your wardrobe, it is important to recognize that “it’s not just about clothing, it’s about a disposable society.” Many of us are tempted to purchase trendy clothing, which is completely acceptable, however, it is key to ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:
Is this a timeless piece? Am I still going to wear it after the current trends change?
Do I already own something similar?
Other than the style, is the quality going to last for at least a few years?
Will I be able to match this piece with other clothing items that I own?
Overall, clothing is an important aspect in expressing yourself as a person, but at the same time, it is crucial to make your own contribution to improving this social and environmental issue.
Article author: Kacy Zhao
Article editors: Sherilyn Wen, Stephanie Sahadeo