Fast fashion refers to clothing that is made and sold quickly. In some countries, it can take as little as a week for a garment to reach the shelves of a store. Typically, fast fashion garments are made by underpaid workers in unsafe conditions. They are often made with harmful chemicals and have a shorter lifespan than higher-quality clothes.
Traditionally, the fast fashion industry has looked at profit as its main concern. However, the industry has faced criticism for its environmental impact. While some companies claim that they are producing sustainable fashion, it is difficult to independently verify such claims. The best way to avoid fast fashion’s environmental footprint is to find companies that adhere to sustainable practices.
One method is to shop secondhand. If you do not have access to a secondhand shop in your area, you can rent or purchase secondhand clothes from websites such as Rent the Runaway. Buying secondhand items reduces garment waste while helping to preserve the garment’s lifecycle. You also have the added bonus of being able to buy from companies that have a positive impact on the environment.
Another option is to use fast fashion as a tool to build awareness about the fashion industry’s negative impact. One initiative, Fashion Revolution, is seeking to create a fairer business for both people and the planet. According to the organization, the fashion industry is in dire need of a major overhaul. Their goals include a reduction in toxic chemicals, a safer working environment, and a more environmentally conscious product.
Aside from its social impact, fast fashion has a massive environmental footprint. It requires huge amounts of land to produce its cheap clothing. This fragmentation of land is causing a decline in biodiversity. Large quantities of plastic and polyester trace materials have also been found to end up in the oceans. These materials can cause serious damage to marine food chains.
It is also estimated that the average American throws away almost 5% of its landfill space each year. This waste primarily consists of used clothing that has been shipped abroad from the United States. To lessen the effects of this waste, the United States could place import taxes on the materials it uses to manufacture its clothing.
The problem with this is that many of the textiles used to make fast fashion clothing are sourced from developing countries. There are some companies, such as Zara, that try to address the environmental issue by producing organic cotton and other environmentally friendly materials. But, these markets remain small and it is difficult to verify that such products are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner.
Finally, it should be noted that the term “fast fashion” is often a misnomer. Many brands actually release several styles at once during a given season. Some even have fashion shows that display new lines of clothing months before they are offered to the public.
Ultimately, the environmental impact of fast fashion is large and if it is to be avoided, consumers will need to make some drastic changes in their wardrobe habits. For example, some experts believe that wearing different clothes each day is a good idea, as it helps prevent you from accumulating more garments than you can wear.