I know you enjoy the thrill of getting trendy clothes at low prices. Who wouldn’t? But have you ever wondered about the real impact of fast fashion on your wardrobe choices?
Fast fashion may seem appealing but it comes with significant environmental and ethical costs.
So if you’ve noticed that your wardrobe fills up with clothes faster than you can wear them, it means the fast fashion virus is nearer than you think.
Every few weeks, the top 10 fast fashion brands keep shoving new collections down your throat enticing you with the latest styles and the sort which creates a cycle of buying and discarding.
This cycle gets tough really and has a crazy effect on your wardrobe, your wallet, and most importantly, our beautiful planet.
What exactly is fast fashion?
Fast fashion is the rapid production of cheap, trendy clothing that mimics the latest runway styles. Fast fashion is tied to affordable yet trendy clothing that moves quickly from design to retail stores all in an effort to capitalise on the latest fashion trends.
So here are 5 reasons you need to quit or avoid fast fashion and transition to more sustainable fashion choices.
1. Environmental impact of fast fashion
Did you know that it takes almost 2,000 gallons of water to produce a single pair of jeans?
The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water globally and this is one of the environmental impacts of fast fashion.
Also, textile production involves hazardous chemicals that often end up polluting water streams and ecosystems. Synthetic fabrics release microplastics into the ocean, affecting marine life.
Also, according to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry is responsible for 2-8 percent of global carbon emissions.
This means that the fast fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation. It is responsible for significant pollution, from water contamination due to dyeing processes to the massive amounts of textile waste ending up in landfills.
The production of cheap, disposable clothing often involves non-biodegradable synthetic fibers and this ultimately contributes to long-term environmental harm.
There is an improper amount of waste produced by these fast fashion brands. For example, in 2012, Zara was able to design, manufacture, and deliver new clothing in just two weeks. This shows how big the fast fashion industry is in terms of production speed and volume.
According to the United Nations, emissions from textile manufacturing alone are projected to increase by 60% by 2030 highlighting the urgent need for a fast fashion solution.
2. Exploitation of labor
In 2013, the eight-story ‘Rama Plaza‘ commercial building collapsed because of a structural failure.
Over 1,100 people— who were mostly garment workers—lost their lives and many more were injured.
This tragic collapse is a sad reminder of the dark side of the fashion industry.
Most fast fashion items are made in developing countries where workers face terrible conditions, low wages, and even child labour.
Most times, fast fashion brands rely on cheap labour from developing countries to keep their costs low. As a result, workers, including children, are frequently subjected to poor working conditions, long hours of work, and very low wages.
By supporting fast fashion, you are making sure they continue these exploitative practices and it weakens the effort to improve labour standards all over the world.
3. Poor quality of fast fashion materials
As you know, fast fashion items are typically made to meet the latest trends at a very fast and cheap rate. This leads to the production of poor-quality garments that never last long.
These items are often made from inferior materials that wear out quickly, which leads to an unhealthy cycle of constant purchasing and waste.
Fashion items that sell fast are often produced in large quantities with little or no concern for durability. By investing in higher-quality and durable clothing, you can save money long-term and reduce environmental impact. A win-win for us.
4. Encourages overconsumption
Fast fashion items are designed to be replaced quickly. Yes, they might be cheap but constantly replacing them adds them up altogether. This is why it is important to invest in quality pieces that last longer.
The fast fashion business model encourages you to buy more than you need and fast fashion sites also encourage the idea of continuous consumption, leading to a culture of overconsumption. Again, this not only leads to financial waste but also results in excessive waste when these quickly outdated items are discarded.
5. Negative health effects
Just so you know, the chemicals used in the production of fast fashion clothing, like dyes and finishing agents, can be harmful to both workers and consumers. These harmful substances can also cause skin irritation and other health issues.
Workers in these factories are often exposed to dangerous chemicals which can lead to severe health issues.
Also, the widespread use of synthetic fabrics can contribute to microplastic pollution, which has been found in water supplies and even in the human body.
Fast fashion’s impact on society isn’t only environmental or economic, it also leads to health risks therefore emphasising the need for better practices.
I know how difficult it may seem but avoiding fast fashion is a conscious choice that can contribute to a more sustainable, and creative fashion industry.
On the Luxim app, you can purchase or sell fashion items that sell fast in Nigeria therefore supporting brands that prioritise quality, transparency, and fair labour practices.
By choosing quality over quantity, shopping for second-hand clothes, and taking care of your clothes, you can make a big difference.
Don’t you want to look and feel great knowing you’re making more sustainable choices?
Don’t you want to contribute to a positive change that benefits people and the planet which ultimately makes a big difference?
Quitting fast fashion also helps you get a win for your wallet, if you really think about it.
What are your thoughts on fast fashion and sustainable living? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
