The Fast Fashion Epidemic
By: Rebecca Lindsay
Tags: Trends, Sustainability, Clothing, Future, Fast Fashion

The fast fashion epidemic is taking over the clothing industry at an exponential rate. If you do not know, the term “fast fashion” can be defined as cheap, trendy clothing that is made to mimic the newest short-lived trend at breakneck speed to meet consumer demand; usually, by whatever means possible. The idea is to give shoppers the ability to buy products at the height of the item’s popularity. This is a continuous cycle and creates a significant part of the toxic system of overproduction and consumption that has made fashion one of the biggest polluters in the world.

The fast fashion industry is ferociously attacking the world’s resources as it eats away at the planet’s limited carbon budget and wastes precious materials that quickly end up in landfills. The harsh reality is that each second, one full garbage truck’s worth of textiles is trashed or burned; this not only wastes clothing that could be repurposed or donated but also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals into the air. Fast fashion does not only influence the waste and disposal of clothing but also wastes an inconceivable amount of water. According to a study run by the United Nations Environment Program, cloth dyeing is the second-largest global polluter of water as seven hundred gallons of water are used to produce one cotton shirt. That is enough water for one person to drink at least eight cups per day for three-and-a-half years. If that statistic was shocking, this will shock you more: two thousand gallons of water are used to make a single pair of jeans. For reference, that is more than enough water for one person to drink eight cups per day for ten whole years. Overall, the textile dyeing process uses enough water to fill two million Olympic-sized swimming pools annually.

Fast fashion not only has consequences for the environment but for humans as well. As the second-largest producer of fast fashion in the world, Bangladesh is heavily reliant on the clothing industry. The country employs millions of laborers to work at garment factories, causing both the country and its workers to depend on Western corporations.

$64 USD. That is the average monthly wage for a worker in Bangladesh’s textile industry, which accounts for roughly 83% of its exports. With one of the lowest minimum wages in the world, the Bangladeshi government is hesitant to raise wages or enforce regulations out of fear that fashion brands will move production to other countries. Following the collapse of a clothing factory, in which one-thousand people died, attention shifted to the problems surrounding the garment industry. As a result, many fashion corporations tried to distance themselves from the event. Many thought new labor codes and safety regulations would be put forth, but the conditions for workers in the Bangladesh garment industry remain precarious.

The ever-growing fast fashion industry promotes wastefulness, especially to younger generations. The notion that one has to always wear new outfits to stay relevant is promoted by celebrities and influencers on social media. The ability to purchase anything from your phone encourages purchasing the latest trends without a second thought.

Just as most people contribute to fast fashion, most individuals can improve their clothing purchasing habits to change the world for the better. Shopping at resale websites such as Depop or ThredUp, instead of H&M or Zara, may seem like a small adjustment but when it becomes a habit can have a positive impact on the environment. While shopping, do not just buy the newest trends, look for essential wardrobe pieces so that you can re-wear clothes as often as possible. This is not to say that you should re-wear your clothes forever, but re-wearing clothes may eliminate the need to purchase more products with the changing trends and seasons. If and when you have outgrown an article of clothing that is still in good condition, do not just throw it away, give it to someone who may need it. By donating your old clothes to relatives, friends, or even strangers you may eliminate the need for them to purchase new clothes. If an item of clothing is ruined or unsalvageable, it does not mean it must be thrown away; it can be cut into rags for cleaning, or donated to a local textile recycling program. Americans discard over 10 million tons of unwanted fabric per year, most of these fabrics can be recycled into new products through programs like GrowNYC. Shopping sustainably does not only mean buying someone else’s unwanted clothing, you can also shop from sustainable clothing stores; although it is more expensive, the purchases will last longer, and, in turn, help our environment.

Endorsing fast fashion businesses promotes the waste of our world’s limited materials and the mistreatment of workers in developing countries. It is a damaging industry that our generation fuels. If we do not change our clothing purchasing habits by 2050, the fashion industry will use up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget. So next time you are in need of a new article of clothing, please shop sustainably and keep our planet safe!