Fast Fashion and the Environment
Over the past century, the fashion industry has seen rapid change. In today’s day and age, fast fashion - an industry rooted in the mass-production of clothing in order to sell at low-cost - dominates what we buy and how we buy it. And it’s an industry of dire consequences. So how did we get here?
Prior to the 21st century, clothing industries revolved around four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Considering the upcoming season, designers predicted what styles and trends might be best received by consumers. In recent decades, the fashion industry has transitioned into an industry that operates on 52 “micro-seasons” a year - or one collection a week. Clothing companies are producing clothes at a record pace, and our environment is paying for it.
According to an article by Fast Company, “apparel companies make 53 million tons of clothes into the world annually. If the industry keeps up its exponential pace of growth, it is expected to reach 160 million tons by 2050.” The problem with this exponential pace is that we end up with more clothing than we actually use, and this leads to an exceeding amount of waste. In fact, 11 million tons of clothing is thrown out in the U.S. alone. That’s a lot of clothes!
With more clothing making its way into landfills, this is where we see the greatest impact on the environment. And while some clothing is made from a biodegradable material such as cotton or wool, fast fashion primarily uses synthetic fabrics like polyester, which ultimately never break down and can shed microfibres when we do our laundry.
While it can seem overwhelming to make sustainable choices in the face of an all-consuming, billion-dollar fast fashion industry, we each hold the power to make choices that can lead to a more sustainable life. Let’s consider what we can do in our power, as consumers, to tackle a challenge like fast fashion.
Shop Second-Hand
Shopping at second-hand stores like Goodwill or Value Village is a great way to exercise your power as a clothing consumer. Consider hosting a challenge with your friends to see who can snag the trendiest thrift shop finds! Alternatively, if you’re a bit apprehensive about going out to the stores these days, consider shopping online at websites like ThredUp or Poshmark. There are so many thrift stores that operate online now!
Hold Clothing Swaps
Consider hosting monthly or semi-annual clothing swaps. A clothing swap is a meet up wherein participants exchange clothing they no longer want for clothing that they will use. Reach out to your closest friends and family and see who’s interested in swapping their clothes. It’s a great way to connect with people and it’s good for the environment - a win/win!
Repair
Our clothing certainly experiences some wear and tear over time. Instead of throwing these items out, try repairing them! There are hundreds of tutorials on YouTube if you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about throwing a stitch. A little effort here goes a long way!
Rent
Instead of checking out Zara’s new spring line, consider using a clothing rental service. Clothing rental services have become increasingly popular over the past decade. While some exist solely to rent out designer brands, other companies rent out clothing from more accessible places like Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie. It’s a great way to add new items to your closet without negatively contributing to the environment.
Opt for Timeless, over Trendy
The next time you’re shopping, think twice about why you’re buying what you’re buying and ask yourself: is this item timeless or trendy? Trendy items often go out of fashion by the next season and are rarely worn after that. As a result, these items quickly end up in landfills. By investing in quality timeless items, you’ve added an item to your wardrobe that holds a bit more longevity. These changes, while small, can not only impact the environment but your wallet as well!
Advocacy
Most of the stores that populate our shopping malls are perpetrators of fast-fashion. Another way for you to make an impact on the fast-fashion industry is to write to fast-fashion brands and advocate for their companies to do better. Use your power as a consumer to express your desire for them to change, and how their involvement with fast-fashion will affect your relationship with their store.
There are many ways to make an impact on the fast-fashion industry. Above all else, it is important to be mindful of our decisions as consumers and think about the long-term impact of these decisions. While throwing a stitch to repair your jeans seems like a rather small step when compared to the global fast-fashion industry, these small actions can result in great change overtime!
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