Fashion has always been a way to creatively express individuality and communicate outwardly to the world who we are as individuals. However, with the rise of fast fashion, we tend to forget about the environmental and social costs associated with our ever-changing fashion trends. Fast fashion is a term used for the industry that produces clothing cheaply, as quickly, and efficiently as possible. While it may seem harmless, the impact of fast fashion on the environment is more significant than you might expect.
First and foremost, producing fast fashion items is often done under unsafe and unethical working conditions for workers worldwide. A study by Greenpeace found significantly high levels of toxic chemicals in fast fashion products that are harmful to those producing, wearing, and disposing of the products. To keep prices low, some fast fashion retailers use low waged workers in developing countries without proper working conditions; the workers regularly inhale and absorb these toxic chemicals used on fabrics, resulting in high respiratory and dermatological disorders.
Fast fashion is a significant waste contributor, with clothes made from non-biodegradable synthetic fabrics. These synthetic “polyester plastic” fabrics take over 200 years to decompose, polluting oceans and landfills. Additionally, to keep up with fast fashion trends, individuals often dispose of clothing after just a few wears, leading to a significant increase in textile waste over recent years.
Fast fashion retailers prioritize speed and efficiency over sustainability, driving high carbon emissions. Quick turnaround time often results in air transport with a significantly high carbon footprint, further contributing to climate change. A 2019 Oxfam report found that the fashion industry was responsible for 8% of total global emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Fast fashion contributes to resource depletion. Producing cheap and low-quality clothing requires considerable resources like water and energy, increasing the environmental impact. More so, cotton, commonly used in creating such garments, is a highly water-intensive plant. Its cultivation also has significant greenhouse gas emissions, another reason for rising concerns over the textile industry’s environmental impact.
Fast fashion is undoubtedly a significant contributor to environmental damage. It is a highly unsustainable way of producing garments as it puts profits ahead of social and environmental impacts. As consumers, it is crucial to understand how our actions affect the planet and our fellow humans. As little as it may seem, every small action counts, and we can help minimize the impact by opting for sustainable brands, buying more durable, timeless fashion pieces, and being mindful of the waste we produce. A few actions we take can go a long way, and it is up to us to make conscious decisions that will help preserve our environment for generations to come.