This article was written by CDR columnist Jordan Ensign
Fast fashion is a relentless cycle of buying and throwing away. Quickly-changing trends result in clothes being discarded in favor of new pieces being purchased: pieces that are often worn only a handful of times before the process begins again. And while we can easily imagine how this habit of rapidly replacing the clothes in our closets leads to excessive waste, the harms of fast fashion begin long before we buy—or get rid of—our clothes.
Many of the garments we associate with fast fashion are made of synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon. Synthetic fibers are cheaper to produce than their natural counterparts, making them ideal for an industry built on mass production and high consumption. These fibers, though, are made with fossil fuels, a non-renewable resource. According to the Changing Markets Foundation, nearly 70% of all textiles are made with synthetic fibers, indicating a hefty strain on finite resources.
Fossil fuels aren’t the only resources negatively impacted by fast fashion; the pollution of our air and waterways is another effect of fast fashion production. As EarthDay.org indicates, fast fashion garments pollute the air throughout their entire lifecycle. Greenhouse gases are released during the initial production process, and, when garments sent to the landfill are burned, that process further pollutes the air.
Similarly, water pollution at the hands of fast fashion is not a one-time event. Also from EarthDay.org, water pollution comes as the result of dyes and other production byproducts being dumped, as well as from the microplastics that are released during the laundering process.
The negative impact of fast fashion extends beyond environmental factors. As an industry, fast fashion is not closely regulated, resulting in laborers often working in unsafe conditions for very little pay. Clean Clothes Campaign reports that, while the CEOs of some of the biggest fast fashion brands earn millions, only 2% of the industry’s laborers earn a living wage. It is these conditions that allow fast fashion companies to keep production costs low while turning a large profit for those at the top.
The fast fashion industry is massive, and the actions of one consumer may feel meaningless in the grand scheme of things. However, even if you aren’t able to make a complete switch away from fast fashion, there are some simple things you can do to build a more sustainable wardrobe and support a more sustainable future.
Whether it’s continuing to wear and repair what you already own, cultivating your personal style so as not to be easily swayed by every new trend, or shopping from secondhand stores or sustainable brands when possible, we all have the power to make personal choices in favor of more sustainable fashion.
