Fast fashion is defined as inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers to appeal to trends. As we continue to encourage the industry to move towards a more sustainable and ethical future, it is important to know what we are really up against.
During the pandemic, social marketing has become far more accessible and creative. This has caused a spike in sales in fashion; in particular fast fashion. Apps such as Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok has opened doors for companies to be able to mass market, creating a perfect, yet toxic opportunity for fast fashion companies. Social media has caused an environment where we constantly want to buy the new, trendy pieces. But unfortunately, the same pieces of fast fashion that won’t last you more than a season. Eventually, they end up in the landfill.The term "quality over quantity" works well in this situation. Buying a bodysuit from Shein that lasts one season is not as substantial as buying a high quality piece that can be worn for multiple seasons.
Fast fashion is very unethical. The working conditions are dangerous and the pay wages are very low. This allows the buyer to get the clothing for a little more than the cost of the materials. About 27 million workers get a disease or injury from working in sweatshops.
Beyond that, fast fashion companies are known for committing both modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
Another thing to consider is the waste from production. Eventually, the leftover color dyes and chemicals that are not used gets dumped into bodies of water. Oceans, lakes and rivers become full of chemicals that are dangerous to aquatic life and humans. Communities that live near depend on these sources of water. Pesticides and fertilizers used to grow he cotton needed to make fast fashion clothing items also harm the environment. Further, 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide are released yearly by fast fashion companies, which only speeds up the climate crisis.
So, the next time you see someone else wearing a trendy clothing item on Instagram, think twice about the industry you are investing in and how long it will last in your wardrobe. And if TikTok made you buy it, make sure it’s not at the expense of the environment.
Aaron Weiss Photography
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