The fast fashion clothing industry has caused detrimental environmental effects across the globe. Fast fashion is inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by retailers in response to keep up with the latest trends. Although there may not seem to be any harm done with the production of affordable clothing rapidly produced there are many dangerous effects of this industry.
“I think it needs to be phased out, but it’s tough to find an alternative that is affordable because thrifting is becoming so popular,” University of Southern California student Nicholas Castre said.
Fast fashion brands thrive off of releasing pieces on-trend for seasons and continuously replacing each item with new products. This business model entices customers to frequently buy because there is a chance, they will not be able to get it again. Some of the biggest fast fashion brands are Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Old Navy, and more.
These companies pose a serious threat to not only the environment but the workers as well. This industry is the second highest cause of water pollution in the world due to leftover harmful dyes being poured out into ditches, streams, and more. According to the United Nations, the apparel industry makes up 10% of the world's carbon footprint. In perspective that is five times more damage than the airline industry.
Around 150 billion new clothing items are produced each year, which is much more than purchased. Most of these items that aren’t purchased end up in landfills as well as clothing that customers are constantly getting rid of. Approximately 14 million tons of clothing end up in landfills each year in America.
The benefits for customers are affordability as well as being able to participate in trends celebrities and magazines showcase, but at what cost?
“It’s somewhere between everyone deserves to look amazing at any budget and we can all do better. A necessary evil,” avid shopper Karen Moran said.
Brands such as Patagonia try to combat fast fashion by encouraging customers to buy less. In 2011 the company released a black Friday ad in The New York Times titled “Don’t Buy This Jacket.” The ad was published in efforts to explain to customers the harmful effects on the environment to produce the jacket that was photographed. Patagonia has stood by its mission statement,
“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire, and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
As well as spreading awareness to customers and working with them to repair any damaged gear, take back any worn-out items, help find no longer wanted items new homes, and more.
There are many alternatives to purchasing fast fashion such as investing in higher
quality brands who are transparent about how their clothing is made,
“Quality lasts a lifetime,” Mark Ramirez said.
Other alternatives include thrifting clothing in-store or online with many apps now on the market to buy secondhand items, as well as renting clothing which is now a rapidly growing industry that allows customers to stay on-trend and help combat the environmental crisis caused by fast fashion.
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