The Fast Fashion Industry: More Than Just A Fashion Faux Pas
- Alexandra Catherine Magana
- Sep 10, 2021
- 4 min read
Fashion serves to be an empowering medium in showcasing a generation’s culture, identity, and self-expression. Along with this came its highs and lows. And yet, it continues to thrive. One of its multi-billion industries is the Fast Fashion industry. Today, it continuously reinvents itself to create new trends, gain followers, and boost its sales.
However, such a fast-paced cycle had led to an alarming environmental repercussion. All of which needs action from each and every one of us.
What Is The Growing Problem?
Wagner (2020) entailed some of the issues the Fast Fashion industry incurred throughout the years.
Over-Consumption
Each season incurs a new fashion trend. People love to keep up with what’s in and new. Hence, consumers flock to stores and online platforms for a trendy piece of garment. An astounding 40% of an individual’s wardrobe was reported to be rarely worn or never at all.
The figure below emphasized that in the year 2014, the production of new clothing doubled as compared to the year 2000. The latest year reached the 100 billion mark. This huge growth can be partly attributed to popular brands releasing more than their initial number of collections. An example of this is H&M who creates a total of 12 to 16 collections per year. Another popular fashion chain is Zara who makes 24 collections.
Figure 1
New Produced Clothing Worldwide
Note. From Wagner, L. (2020, March 16). The environmental impact of the fast fashion industry | Infographic & Stats. Sanvt. https://sanvt.com/journal/environmental-impact-of-fast-fashion-infographic/
Aside from this, people are more encouraged to buy clothing due to the low retail prices and end of the season sales. These transactions are seen as an everyday norm for fashion. Thus, causing an even greater demand for produced clothing.
Increasing Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Consumption
During the production of garments, the usage of certain materials contributes to adverse effects to the environment. These key ingredients to your everyday clothing are natural fibers, chemical fibers or simply a mixture of both.
The said natural fibers include cotton, silk, and wool. For the cultivation of one kilogram of traditional cotton, it requires a massive volume of about 11,000 liters. Moreover, pesticides and insecticides are used in most cotton fields. Even though organic cotton is a better option, it still uses a lot of water and has unethical working conditions in developing nations.
Figure 2
C02 Consumption of a T-Shirt Only In Production
Note. From Wagner, L. (2020, March 16). The environmental impact of the fast fashion industry | Infographic & Stats. Sanvt. https://sanvt.com/journal/environmental-impact-of-fast-fashion-infographic/
The earlier mentioned chemical fibers cover polyester, polyamide, polyacrylic and elastane. All of which 60% of garments are made from these synthetic materials. The most commonly used is polyester. This product requires 98 million tons of crude petroleum. If such a demand is continued, 300 million tonnes of oil could be consumed by 2050. Thus, resulting in 26% of human carbon dioxide emissions. Sadly, the fashion industry’s consumption is even more than all the flights and sea shipments together.
Figure 3
CO2 Consumption in Comparison
Note. From Wagner, L. (2020, March 16). The environmental impact of the fast fashion industry | Infographic & Stats. Sanvt. https://sanvt.com/journal/environmental-impact-of-fast-fashion-infographic/
Ultimately, all of the aforementioned problems contribute to additional garbage waste and water pollution. Yet, there are still other unmentioned environmental repercussions.
So, What Can You Do As A Consumer?
Here are some tips and trips for your everyday fashion gal but with a heart of green.
1. Bring Your Own Eco-Friendly Shopping Bag
Brick-and-mortar shops always provide you with either a plastic bag or paper bag. To lessen the usage of such, don’t forget to bring your own eco-friendly shopping bag. Who knows, the establishment might even employ a “Bring your own shopping bag policy”
2. Look For Eco-Friendly Brands
Today, there are so many brands to choose from. More often than not, these brands only differ in quality and price. So, if you have the resources, look for eco-friendly brands. Do your research so you’ll know it’s not just a marketing bait. Additionally, your choice can push other brands to switch to sustainable choices.
3. Reinvent With Thrift Clothing
Nowadays, thrift stores are a hit. There are so many hidden gems in these establishments. You just have to patiently canvas around the store or on online platforms. Plus, you can always get creative with thrifty finds. You can get a local seamstress to make your ideas come to life or simply do it yourself. Remember, it’s not the brand that really matters. It’s how you carry the look.
4. Buy Less
Being part of the bandwagon is easy due to new trends in season. But, is it really a worthy investment? Afterall, you probably have so many clothes you have yet to use for the first time or have yet to use again. A tip is to just buy whatever you need at the moment. This practice can save you so much money and help you prioritize your needs.
5. Quality Over Quantity
Remember that trends come and go. So, it’s better to invest in your trusty options of classic styles. You can never go wrong with plain solid colors. Plus, collaborating with such colors enables an easier transaction to mixing and matching of different styles.
6. Repair & Reuse
Sadly, all clothes meet its end life. So, in order to maximize its worth, you can always use your trusty sewing materials. Just learn how to fix and conceal some needed repair work. And, if you’re not comfortable using them for a casual errand outside, just wear them as regular clothes at home.
7. Follow Credible Advice From Fashion Experts
Instead of continuously getting overwhelmed with trends and choosing to buy them, learn from experts. They can help you identify what fits your needs, comfort, and lifestyle. You don’t always have to be trendy. You can simply be neat and clean with your clothes. Moreover, fashion experts love to give posing advice. This can even help with your A game. Just strut confidently and look like you own the look and you’re good to go.
8. Be An Influencer
Lastly, all of the tips from above count towards yourself but it’s always a collective action that creates a big wave. Hence, don’t shy away from educating others and letting them know how they can spark a change.
Take Note…
The clothes should not be wearing you. YOU should be wearing them. So, pick up your best smile and strut your fashion identity. Coz you own this!
Information Sources:
Wagner, L. (2020, March 16). The environmental impact of the fast fashion industry | Infographic & Stats. Sanvt. https://sanvt.com/journal/environmental-impact-of-fast-fashion-infographic/
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