At some point in our lives, we’ve all consumed fast fashion. In our mass producing and mass consuming society, it turns out that it is inevitable to participate in fast fashion.
Fast fashion refers to the production of affordable, trendy, and low-quality clothing that is designed to be worn for a short period of time before going out of style. Fast fashion production has gained popularity in recent years due to the to the nature of quick responsiveness to changing fashion trends and consumer demand. However, fast fashion has both positive and negative effects on society and the environment.
One positive aspect of fast fashion is that it allows people to affordably purchase garments and have the ability to wear clothes and of course, to stay up to date with the latest fashion trends. It also provides employment and economic opportunities in the fashion industry, particularly in developing countries where many fast fashion garments are produced.
However, fast fashion has multiple negative impacts. One major issue is the negative environmental and social impact of fast fashion. The production of clothing requires incredible amounts of water, energy, and other resources. The production of one cotton t-shirt can require as much as 2,700 liters (712 gallons) of water. This includes water used for growing the cotton, as well as water used in the manufacturing process. From an ethical perspective, one could argue that this amount of water is put to better use in underserved communities where clean water is scarce and rather made accessible to families who desperately need clean water to survive. Additionally, one could also debate that water is better left alone in nature, where wildlife can use it as a means of survival.
Another negative result of the rapid pace of production in the fast fashion industry is increased pollution and waste. During the manufacturing process, far too many toxic materials are used and indirectly released back to the surrounding environment of the factory. The frequent disposal of consumers increases the size of landfills and with it the time it takes for these garments to decompose. Think about this the next time you are shopping for your wardrobe upgrade. Another negative aspect of fast fashion is that it encourages a disposable culture in which clothing is seen as something to be used and discarded rather than treasured and cared for. This can contribute to a cycle of overconsumption and waste, as well as contribute to the problem of clothing waste in landfills.
Additionally, fast fashion often relies on cheap, disposable labor in developing countries, where workers may be subject to poor working conditions and low wages. To consumers like you and I, fast fashion is appealing because of its low price and diverse selection of styles. However, the manufacturing factories employ human beings in mostly unsafe and unfair working conditions. Low wages are paid to adults who have families to support in other countries. Long hours are required from these same workers to meet high demands for garment availability. There is a necessity for ethical practices in the fashion industry to improve working conditions and workers rights.
Overall, fast fashion has more negative effects on society and the environment than it does positive. While it may provide employment opportunities and allow low-price fashion trends, the negative impacts on the environment, wildlife, human rights and labor conditions create a long lasting culture of overconsumption and exploitation.
MerLunaLobo 