Why Fast Fashion is Bad

• It consumes a lot of water. It takes about 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton t-shirt, equivalent to what an average person drinks in two and a half years.
• It pollutes water and soil. It uses about 43 million tonnes of chemicals per year, many of which are toxic and hazardous to human and animal health.
• It generates a lot of waste. It produces about 92 million tonnes of textile waste per year, which ends up in landfills or incinerators. It also relies heavily on plastic fabrics such as polyester, which do not biodegrade and shed microplastics into the ocean.
• It contributes to deforestation and land degradation. It is responsible for about 4% of global deforestation, mainly due to the expansion of cotton plantations and the production of cellulosic fibers such as viscose and rayon.
• It violates workers’ rights. It exploits workers, especially women, with low wages, long hours, unsafe factories, and a lack of benefits. It also exposes them to discrimination, harassment, violence, and even death for demanding better conditions or joining unions.
• It affects women disproportionately. It subjects women workers to sexual harassment and abuse, forces them to work during pregnancy or without maternity leave, and denies them access to education or health care. It also makes them suffer from the environmental impacts of fast fashion, such as water scarcity, water pollution, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
• It harms consumers’ health. It contains harmful chemicals that can affect consumers’ health as well. These chemicals can leach from clothes into the skin or the air, causing neurological, endocrine, respiratory, and cancer problems.

How to Opt for a More Sustainable Approach

• Buy less. The best way to reduce the environmental and social impact of fast fashion is to buy less clothes and wear them longer. This can save money, resources, and emissions. According to Oxfam, extending the life of a garment by nine months can reduce its carbon footprint by 30%.
• Buy better. When buying new clothes, look for quality over quantity. Choose clothes that are durable, versatile, and timeless. Avoid clothes that are poorly made, trendy, or disposable. Look for clothes that are made from organic or recycled materials, such as cotton, hemp, linen, wool, or Tencel. Avoid clothes that are made from synthetic or non-biodegradable materials, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. Look for clothes that have ethical or eco-friendly certifications, such as Fairtrade, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX. Avoid clothes that have vague or misleading claims, such as “eco”, “green”, or “conscious”.
• Buy second-hand. Buying second-hand clothes is a great way to give them a new life and prevent them from going to waste. It can also save money and help you find unique or vintage pieces. You can buy second-hand clothes from thrift stores, charity shops, online platforms, or swap parties. You can also sell or donate your unwanted clothes to these places instead of throwing them away.
• Care for your clothes. Taking good care of your clothes can make them last longer and reduce their environmental impact. Wash your clothes less often, in cold water, and with gentle detergents. Mend your clothes if they get torn or damaged. Store your clothes properly in a cool and dry place.
• Get creative with your clothes. You can also make your clothes more sustainable by getting creative with them. You can upcycle your old clothes into new ones by cutting, sewing, dyeing, or embellishing them. You can also customize your clothes by adding patches, buttons, or embroidery. You can also mix and match your clothes by layering, accessorizing, or styling them differently.

Fast fashion is not only bad for the planet but also for people and animals. By opting for a more sustainable approach to fashion, we can reduce our environmental and social impact and enjoy our clothes more. Let’s make fashion a force for good, not evil.