I did not realize until I stood in front of my overflowing dresser one morning, trying to pick out something to wear that day, how much fast fashion had crept into my life. My clothes were everywhere: on the hangers, stuffed in my drawers, piled high on my vanity chair. But the majority of them– bright, trendy, and so cheap—had been worn once, maybe twice before they started to rip, fray, or just lose their appeal. The thrill of a quick purchase, that joy of a brand new outfit, had worn off.
Many people know and love brands like Shein, H&M, Brandy Melville, and PacSun. However, most overlook the harsh reality when it comes to purchasing this cheaply made apparel that is produced quickly to follow trends in the fashion industry, known as “fast fashion”. The industrial revolution and the invention of the sewing machine resulted in a massive surge in the availability of cheap clothes. The term “fast fashion” was first used in the 1990s when Zara opened in New York. According to Earth.org, “the term was used by the New York Times to describe Zara’s mission to take only 15 days for a garment to go from the design stage to being sold in stores.” In 2012, it was reported Zara was producing and delivering new pieces of apparel in the short span of two weeks. This type of fast production undoubtedly results in the fashion industry producing ridiculous amounts of waste. According to the documentary The True Cost, the world today consumes 400% more clothes than the consumption twenty years ago. Additionally, a shocking 30% of clothing produced are never sold. Though purchasing fast fashion products can be cheap for the consumer, textile workers and our environment are paying the price.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
According to OneGreenPlanet, fashion is the second most polluting industry, right behind the oil industry, which produces 5.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions globally. The fashion industry also uses up a significant amount of water, and 20 percent of industrial water pollution comes from the textile industry. Furthermore, cotton is a key ingredient in the fashion industry, and it is usually grown in tropical countries where water is scarce. According toThe Guardian, 22,500 liters of water is needed to produce a mere 1kg of cotton. Brands also use synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic which can take hundreds of years to biodegrade. The microplastics and plastic fibers from the fast fashion apparel are also polluting our oceans and creating wastewater. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) states that scientists predicted apparel production could result in up to 22 million metric tons of microplastics in the oceans between 2015 and 2050. Plus, to sustain the fashion industry’s need for wood pulp to make fabrics, 70 million tons of trees are cut down each year. That number could possibly double by 2034, expediting deforestation around the world.
The Social Impact of Fast Fashion
On top of the negative environmental impact of fast fashion, the other concerning factor is worker exploitation in some countries. Workers are subjected to dangerous working conditions while earning extremely low wages, while the companies make massive profits from their work. The fast fashion industry employs more than 75 million workers worldwide. Out of those workers it is estimated that less than 2 percent of them make a living wage. A research project done by the US Department of Labor also found evidence of child labor in the fashion industries in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, and many other countries.
How Can We Help?
There are many things we can do to reduce fashion waste, and everyone’s effort counts. Deciding against buying new clothes is one of the most impactful ways to reduce fashion waste. Additionally, not purchasing new clothes regularly could encourage wearing older, otherwise unworn clothes. Shopping at thrift stores and yard sales to buy secondhand clothes instead of new items can also reduce fashion waste significantly. We can extend the life of our clothes by following care instructions. For example, washing jeans more infrequently can extend their lifetime. Researching companies to see if they are associated with fast fashion before purchasing can also help inhibit its dangerous cycle . Finally, one can resell their old clothes or clothes they don’t wear anymore to thrift shops or to online marketplaces like Poshmark, and also donate their clothes to local charities and clothing drives. We must all work together to create a cleaner, more respectful earth and end fast fashion.