Fast Fashion and its Harmful Effects on the Environment

Written by Lindsay Wong

Fast fashion has emerged recently as a controversial issue because of its pros and cons. Its cons mainly center around its detrimental effect on the environment. According to Rauturier for Good On You, fast fashion refers to the mass production of inexpensive, lower quality clothing and fashion items that are later sold at retail stores. Many of our favorite brands engage in fast fashion, such as H&M, Zara, Primark, and Victoria’s Secret.

While fast fashion enables customers to buy the trendiest clothes at a relatively cheap price, it takes a toll on the environment. As cited from the University of Queensland, the clothing and textile industry significantly deplete non-renewable resources, with mass production contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Every year, 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide are produced. Simultaneously, massive quantities of energy, water and chemicals – all nonrenewable resources – are used. Furthermore, fast fashion brands primarily use synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon and acrylic. These are plastics made from petroleum, which could take up to 1000 years to biodegrade. They also shed microfibers, adding to the amount of plastic and waste going into the oceans.

Furthermore, fast fashion has become embroiled with human rights violations, particularly child labor and labor trafficking. The cheap price of clothing indicates that workers are paid very little. Fast fashion employs the labor of migrant workers, who are underpaid, overworked, and kept in unsatisfactory conditions. According to The Guardian, up to 260 million children work under harsh working conditions.

Fast fashion brands should consider switching to sustainable practices for production of clothes. Even though this may be hard, it could significantly benefit the environment. New technologies and scientific findings are paving the way for more sustainable methods to emerge. As consumers, we can also choose to support brands that don’t engage with fast fashion, although the clothes are more expensive, as seen in brands such as OhSevenDays, Kowtow, Pact and more. Additionally, we can be more selective with what we buy and make out clothing last longer.

Action Guide:

1. Buy Less.

2. Buy better quality items, or buy from sustainable brands.

3. Buy second hand, swap with friends, get thrifty!

4. Wash your clothes in full loads and in cold water to reduce energy use and fashion’s environmental impact. 

5. Upcycle your old clothing into new items. Paint, cut, redesign, restyle, or repurpose items to give them new life!

Art Credits: Bronwyn Seier for Fashion Revolution