Fast fashion can be great. It is a quick and cheap way to keep up with the latest trends. However, it comes with some hidden costs. The methods used to create fast fashion often lead to environmental damage and unethical labor practices. That said, here are eight things to consider before you purchase from fast fashion brands.
1. Environmental Destruction
Over the years, it has become known that the fashion industry is one of the top contributors to pollution in the world. Fast fashion often relies on synthetic materials that aren’t biodegradable. The production of these cheap materials also requires a significant amount of water and chemicals, which can deplete natural resources. As styles change, a lot of this clothing winds up in landfills and can ultimately leave a permanent impact on the planet.
2. Unethical Labor Practices
Fast fashion is cheap, but so is the labor behind it. Most workers in this industry are getting paid pennies for every $10 shirt you’re buying. Many of these brands will outsource production to countries where there are little to no labor laws and exploit people, often exposing them to unsafe working conditions. These “sweatshops” will push employees to their limits, setting unrealistic deadlines and often resulting in using child labor. Unfortunately, these individuals are the unseen victims of your fast fashion purchases.
3. Overproduction and Waste
The entire fast fashion industry is built on the idea of constantly releasing new styles. This often leads to overproduction and excess waste. Putting out new items encourages customers to buy more and wear the clothing they have less. In the end, the clothes they aren’t wearing wind up in the landfill. Anything that isn’t sold is also usually incinerated, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Water Waste
As mentioned above, the production of fast fashion uses a significant amount of water. A single cotton shirt can require up to 2,700 liters of water. That’s enough water to meet someone’s drinking needs for over two years. Additionally, dyeing and other finishing processes also contribute to water contamination. The toxic chemicals from production are getting dumped into rivers and cause long-term damage.
5. Carbon Footprint
There are a number of things listed so far that speak to fast fashion’s carbon footprint. This industry relies on synthetic fibers, transportation, and energy to produce their items. Polyester, which is a common material used in these products, is derived from fossil fuels. Transporting all of these things also contributes to the environmental toll of fast fashion. Not to mention, the energy required to run the factories. If things continue the way they are, fast fashion could potentially account for a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050.
6. Toxic Chemicals in Clothing
We’ve covered how many chemicals are used to create fast fashion. These chemicals help make the fabric water-resistant, wrinkle-free, and possibly even brighter in color, but they can be harmful to your health and the environment as a whole. When these clothes are washed, the chemicals can be released into water systems. They can also be linked to other issues like skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even hormone disruption.
7. Mental Health Impact
With the rise of fast fashion, many people have felt pressure to stay up to date on the latest trends. Social media increases this desire to buy new clothes all the time. This obsession with material goods and staying trendy can have a negative impact on your mental health because you start tying your self-worth to your clothing.
8. Devaluation of Craftsmanship
You really can’t beat a well-made sweater or a good pair of jeans. Fast fashion has made things cheaper, but it devalues craftsmanship. The skill and time that used to go into making clothes have been replaced by factories and machines. Designers who place focus on quality are often pushed aside for cheap clothing. Fast fashion ultimately hurts the local economy and diminishes the appreciation for well-made items.
The True Cost of Fast Fashion
Now that we’ve talked about the true cost of fast fashion, you can move forward knowing how your purchases impact the world around you. While you might save a buck initially, these products don’t normally last long, increasing the amount you’ll actually spend. And, in the long run, the industry is harming a lot more than just your wallet. Consider your shopping habits and think about how you can support more sustainable brands.