The Issues with Fast Fashion: Economic and Environmental.

Fashion trends are commonly encountered in our day-to-day lives. To appeal to this, capitalist retailers in the fashion industry introduced the mass production of inexpensive, trendy clothing: fast fashion. Though this model appeals greatly to an impressionable customer, it carries economic and environmental implications, imploring consumers to be more mindful of the brands they support and the items they purchase. 

From social media posts to the outfits adorned by the people around us, new clothing trends are frequently observed. To reflect changing fashion fads, retailers are quick to stock their shelves with the latest styles for temptingly low prices. An impressionable individual will rapidly consume new clothing stocks with every cycle of trends, unaware of the unethical practices that brought their shopping cart from a factory to their closet. Malpractice involving poor work conditions and meager wages are commonly present in the factories fast fashion is sourced from. 

Alongside this ethical dilemma, rapid clothing consumption encourages wasteful practice where clothing is often worn only several times before being discarded. The environmental footprint of fast fashion and textile waste is its most alarming fault. Fashion is one of the largest contributors to pollution and waste globally.¹ For example, the dyeing process of many textiles is performed in a manner that minimises production costs. This cheap method leads to exponential amounts of toxic chemicals being released into bodies of water and harming aquatic ecosystems.

Moreover, the fast fashion model leads to immense textile waste. According to estimates, approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year, the majority ending up in landfills due to overproduction and overconsumption.² Synthetic fibres commonly used in fast fashion garments, such as polyester, require centuries to decompose and further heighten the waste crisis. The desire for larger margins and trendy clothes promotes a norm that neglects recycling and sustainable practices, calling for a fundamental shift in how we approach fashion.

With this, I urge my readers to practice mindful clothing consumption. Ensure your desired item will be worn thoroughly instead of collecting dust in your closet. Brands that design their clothes ethically often reflect their quality in their high prices, removing the factor of affordability. If your financial situation permits, support these brands when possible. Otherwise, give your best effort to reduce fast fashion consumption and consequently, textile waste. It is our collective responsibility as humans to care for our environment, even if it manifests in an act as small as rewearing a sweater you bought last year. 

Citations

1. Climate Trade. The world’s most polluting industries. [Internet] Climate Trade; 2023 May 11 [cited 2024 Oct 17]. Available from: https://climatetrade.com/the-worlds-most-polluting-industries/

2. Igini M. 10 Concerning Fast Fashion Waste Statistics. [Internet] Earth.org; 2023 Aug 21 [cited 2024 Oct 17]. Available from: https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/