When you’re considering a new outfit, your mind probably wanders to things like color, current trends, and your personal style. After all, fashion is often celebrated for its creativity and beauty. Whether you’re a traditionalist or someone who tries to push the fashion envelope, things like sustainability probably aren’t at the forefront of your mind.
But, maybe they should be.
There’s an unfortunate dark side to the fashion industry – one that has a significant negative impact on the environment, as well as labor practices. From worker exploitation to “fast fashion” and textile waste, you’re paying for much more than what’s on the price tag when you buy certain items for your wardrobe.
Educating yourself on the hidden realities of the fashion industry is the first step toward change, so you can make more informed choices and feel good about what’s in your closet.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion refers to a type of business model that allows companies to create replicas of high-fashion pieces for a much lower cost. They do this through mass production, utilizing cheaper materials and labor costs. While that means the designer shirt you saw in a fashion show might be accessible to you at a lower price, there’s a much greater cost to it than you probably realize.
Fast fashion takes a huge toll on the environment. The average person throws away over 80 pounds of clothing and textiles each year, often due to the poor quality of certain items that can cause them to rip, break, or fall apart after just a few wears. Fast fashion is causing a huge problem in landfills across the globe, contributing to excessive waste. Beyond that, the mass production needed to create these inexpensive articles of clothing also damages the environment.
Fast fashion is notorious for excessive water use, as well as being negligent with proper chemical disposal. The fast fashion industry contributes to a significant percentage of the world’s carbon emissions, due to large factories and the mass production of clothing. Every time you buy an article of clothing that isn’t made to last, you’re increasing the demand for more. It’s a vicious cycle that allows these companies to remain successful while cutting down on sustainability.
A Lack of Ethics
In addition to harming the environment, many fast fashion companies lean into low labor costs. According to George Washington University, because there is such a high demand for clothing, many employees within these companies end up working long, grueling hours in unsafe conditions. That puts them at a greater risk of things like:
- Workplace injuries;
- Exploitation;
- Low wages
- Unrealistic expectations
So many fast fashion items are made in countries where workers might not have many other opportunities. So, they put up with these unethical practices simply to be able to put food on the table for their families. Workers are at risk of injuring themselves while making these products, but your own safety could also be at risk depending on the chemicals used for production. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, these chemicals can cause you to develop respiratory issues, skin conditions, and more.
One of the most notable companies to practice these unethical conditions is Shein. While it’s become a popular online fast fashion retailer, an investigation of the company by Wired unveiled unfit working conditions, with some laborers working 75-hour shifts in workshops without safety protocols present. Of course, Shein isn’t the only company guilty of these practices, so make sure to do your research on your favorites before you commit to a retailer.
What Can You Do?
Start investing in yourself and the clothing you wear. Whether you’re a man or woman, whether you’re working in a specific industry, or whether you just like the look of certain styles, be willing to do your research and potentially pay a bit more for your wardrobe.
The benefits of slow fashion are seemingly endless. Companies that take the time to source quality materials, use sustainable manufacturing processes, and treat employees fairly will help to cut down on the emissions and waste caused by the fashion industry. When you support those companies, you’re doing your part to help, as well.
Durable clothing items can be an investment. But, they will often last you for years. Consider looking for a few high-quality staples that you can mix and match in your wardrobe, including jeans, boots, jackets and belts. You should look for pieces made of quality materials, including linen, wool, silk, or 100% cotton. While these items can be a bit more expensive, you’ll be able to wear them more frequently without the risk of them tearing, shredding, or simply wearing out with time.
Do your research on clothing companies fighting back against the effects of fast fashion. Some of the most notable clothing brands known for their sustainable efforts include:
- Pact;
- Patagonia;
- Veja;
- Stella McCartney.
If you don’t currently have the budget to shop for new quality clothes, consider going thrifting. You never know what second-hand gems you’ll find. Many people get rid of gently used clothing quickly because their sense of style changes, so you can still find high-quality items in your local thrift stores. It’s a great way to save money and reduce waste.
When investing in quality clothing, you’re also more likely to find items that fit your lifestyle while promoting the kind of life you want to lead. You can create a capsule wardrobe with a few simple pieces while doing your part to help the planet and promote workers’ rights.
Photo Credit
Photo is from Unsplash
Guest Author Bio
Charlie Fletcher
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. When not writing she spends her time doodling and embroidering. And yes, she does love all kinds of potatoes!
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