Fast Fashion

From The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion, Explained

In today’s fashion industry, the most popular and most convenient way of obtaining clothes has been through fast fashion. Consumers can purchase clothing faster and cheaper with only a tap. However, fast fashion presents a serious threat to the environment, human labor it employs, and even altering the way we think when browsing for clothing. This article goes into the social impacts of fast fashion observing the practices that drive this industry and the potential consequences for our planet and society.

Fast fashion is extremely harmful to the environment and poses a threat to all living things. For example, worldwide essential water is being affected. According to Earth.org, the fashion industry is the second largest consumer of water among industries. It requires 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt and about 2000 gallons of water to make a pair of jeans. The water is also being polluted altogether, putting safe drinking water at high risk. Dyes used to color textiles are the world's second largest cause of water pollution. 500 thousand tons of microplastic fibers are released into the water supply each year from washing clothes.

In addition, the labor practices within the fast fashion industry often involve unsafe working conditions, and unfair wages. Many garment workers, primarily in developing countries, are subjected to long hours and minimal pay highlighting, significant ethical concerns. An investigation that had occurred by the US Department of Labor Wage and Hours division revealed widespread theft among contractors with 80% failing to comply with minimum wage and overtime laws. They successfully recovered over $892,000 for workers who were cheated out of their earnings and in one case a garment industry contractor was caught paying employees as little as $1.58 an hour despite the seats' $15 minimum wage.

To add onto environmental and labor concerns, the psychological impact of fast fashion on consumers and workers cannot be ignored. The constant rise of new trends, and the pressure to stay updated can lead to a cycle of over consumption in dissatisfaction. The lack of self awareness is also an issue. “The garment industry has historically been a low capital and labor intensive industry” (Annie Radner Linden). This was highlighted in 2013 when an eight story factory building housing garment factories collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh resulting in the deaths of 1134 workers in injuries in over 2,500.

In order to make a significant change, those who support fast fashion have to change their mindset and come to a realization. In the future new laws and regulations may be set in place to hold fast fashion brands accountable for their environmental and labor practices. Safety should always be the first priority regardless of how much workers are being paid. Upcoming events and rallies will raise awareness and advocate for sustainable fashion alternatives by understanding the historical context and current tragic story of the fashion industry. Thrifting, for example, is a great alternative to buying new clothes online every time you need a new outfit. A high school student in Forsyth had stated, “I look for style and price. My mom doesn't buy me stuff from Shein because she says it's bad quality. When I go thrifting sometimes the clothes last longer and feel better.” Consumers can make more informed choices and support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.