Fast Fashion: The facts you need to know
Fast fashion is the mass production of cheap, poor quality, disposable clothing. It is a major factor in contributing to climate change and human injustice that grows each day. Although fast fashion is incredibly topical at the moment, many of us don't know the severity of its effects.
Textile Waste
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 17 million tons of textile waste were generated in 2018, of which only 2.5 million tons were recycled.
CO2 Emissions
The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global CO2 emissions each year. That’s more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined!
Water Pollution
Clothes made out of synthetic fabrics can contain microplastics. These tiny shreds of plastic are flushed into wastewater systems and eventually make their way out into the ocean harming our waters and aquatic wildlife.
Unsafe Labor Conditions
Clothes often aren’t ethically made. Factories are often sweatshops where labourers work in unsafe conditions for low wages and long hours. Children are also forced to work in these harmful factories.
You may ask, what can I do to help reduce this? Even making small changes can help drastically while fighting against climate change. Here are our top tips:
- Swap with friends- Instead of sourcing a new outfit online, check out your friend's closets for inspiration.
- Buy second hand- Help save the environment while not breaking the bank. Check out your local charity shops and vintage stores.
- Research- Use apps and websites such as Good On You. Discover your favourite shop's true sustainability and find more planet-friendly alternatives.
- Buy less- Before you make any new purchases ask yourself will I wear this item at least thirty times? If the answer isn't 100% yes maybe reconsider your decision.
Always try to remember to buy less, choose well and make it last.