For those of you who don’t know what “fast fashion” is, it is mass produced clothing sold at a super discount from companies overseas such as, Shein, Romwe, Fashion Nova, etc. Believe me, I know how tempting it can be to purchase 10 items of clothing that are up-to-date with the latest fashion trends for under $100 but long term, the damage that it’s doing to the environment and the workers making these garments are extremely threatening.
Here are some facts about “fast fashion” to put things in perspective:
- For that blouse you found for $10.99 it comes at the cost of a garment worker’s long hours with minimal to no pay.
- The “fast fashion” industry produces about 1 billion garments annually.
- This industry emits more CO2 into the atmosphere per year than those created from air travel and international shipping.
- “Fast fashion” is responsible for 20% of the global wastewater for the year.
- To produce cotton, it is one of the most resource intensive crop.
- The “fast fashion” industry produces 97% of our clothes overseas.
- 40 million people work in the garment industry today under extremely unsafe working conditions.
- Facts from 7billionfor7seas and more facts can be found here.
Here is what you can do to slow down the harmful effects of fast fashion:
- Partake in thrift shopping to sustainably shop for clothing at a low, discounted price. Believe me, it’s so rewarding and so much fun hunting in your local Goodwill.
- Shop from online thrift stores during COVID. Yes, they exist!!
- Donate or sell your old clothing from your closet so someone else can enjoy your great fashion sense.
- Shop from sustainable fashion brands.
- Have an open discussion with one of your friends or family members about the “fast fashion” business and the harmful effects of it.
- Repair old, “broken” clothing if possible to re-wear.
I encourage you all to rethink and start the discussion about the fast fashion industry as tempting as it may be to shop from these companies. If you have any questions, leave them below and feel free to reach out on any of my social channels!
XOXO, Tayler
Tayler Renee May 