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Written by: Zoe Clouthier and Elliot Simpson
Most are aware of the term “fast fashion,” and understand that it is not a positive term. Yet why do we still support the practice of fast fashion if we know that it is not ethical or environmental? Perhaps some do not know to such an extent that it is killing the planet, or maybe some do not care enough to stop the practice. This article will reveal the dangers of the Fast Fashion industry and hopefully change your mind to create a better future for our planet.
What even is fast fashion and what sets it apart from other clothing? Fast fashion boils down to a sector of the fashion industry that’s goal is to create the cheapest (both in price and quality) pieces of clothing that meet the current trends as fast as possible. This is easy for large corporations by using low quality materials, unsafe labour conditions, and practices with huge environmental impacts. There are two main problems of focus for this article, the human effects, and of course, the environmental effects.
Companies base their manufacturing in countries like China, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka to keep their costs as low as possible. Many of these companies claim to pay the “legal minimum wage,” but that is often half or a fifth of the living wage, which is the minimum for a person to support all their needs (Sustain Your Style). As well, 14-16 hours is the average work day in manufacturing countries. Working seven days, a garment worker can work up to an average of 96 hours a week, often working overtime (Sustain Your Style). That is much different to our average 40 hour work week, which we have grown comfortable with. With these terrible conditions, you may ask yourself, why do they do it then? These companies employ many people and will hire practically anyone, making it a safe choice for the unemployed. As for the long hours, since the pay is low, workers have no choice but to work overtime just to meet their basic financial needs. It is a vicious cycle which leads garment workers completely exhausted, but forced to work to live.
Besides the working conditions of the workers, the fast fashion industry has a massive and negative impact on the environment. This industry is responsible for “10% of total global carbon emissions,” and is only supposed to increase by 50% by 2030 (Ethical Consumer). This comes from the manufacturing companies and from the textiles used for the clothing since “69% of all textile fibres are derived from fossil fuels” (Ethical Consumer). To create these textiles as well, there is a large consumption of water that is completely wasted and tainted with chemicals from dying. Precious resources that cannot be replenished are used to make cheap shirts that millions buy off of Shein and Temu. When clothes are made with cheap materials and their only purpose is to be used to fit the current trends, they will eventually be thrown away into landfills, never to be used again. They cannot be recycled and will sit there for years, damaging our planet.
If the impact of fast fashion has scared you (as it should), and you're wondering how to help, there is one simple answer: Stop buying from fast fashion companies. Purchasing clothing from brands like Zara, Shein, Temu, Forever 21 and Old Navy directly supports this terrible industry. As difficult as it is, we must make an effort to change our clothing habits to not buy in excess and eventually throw away these pieces of clothing. Thrift stores are a great way for people to donate unwanted clothing so that it can find another home instead of ending up in a landfill. Lastly, whenever possible, shop from sustainable clothing brands that care about their employees and the preservation of our planet.
Sources:
https://www.sustainyourstyle.org/en/working-conditions
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