Moving From Fast Fashion To A Sustainable Clothing Revolution
The term fast fashion has been used to describe the rapid production of clothing and accessories in response to the latest fashion trends. While it may seem like a great way to stay stylish without breaking the bank, the truth is that fast fashion has some serious negative consequences for the environment and society as a whole. Here we are going to talk a little more about the impacts of the fast fashion
industry and suggest a few ways to mitigate the impacts on the environment, whilst still managing to stay stylish.
SUSTAINABILITY | UPCYCLING | RECYCLING | CARBON FOOTPRINT | POLLUTION
1. Carbon Footprint
One of the most significant links between fast fashion and climate change is the carbon footprint generated by the production, transportation and disposal of clothing. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
The production of synthetic fibres used in fast fashion requires significant amounts of energy and releases harmful gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, the transportation of clothing and accessories around the world generates even more carbon emissions.
Processing of natural fibres is not very different, burning fossil fuels and consuming large quantities of water during manufacturing, means that it’s a double edged sword when it comes to choosing between them.
We can at least aim to reduce consumption, using the most efficient processes possible, look to manufacture closer to home and reduce transport requirements.
2. Pollution
Manufacture of clothing contributes to pollution in various ways. The production of synthetic fibres and the use of harmful chemicals in dyeing and finishing processes often leads to water pollution.
For example, it has been demonstrated untreated wastewater from Faisalabad’s hundreds of factories has been shown to be polluting the water that is piped into peoples’ homes. The result is a high mortality rate in children and a health crisis that is only getting worse as the city expands to become a fast fashion powerhouse. We can presume that a similar effect will be see in the wildlife surrounding these areas. This is just one example. You can see the full report: How Fast Fashion Is Poisoning Pakistan’s Drinking Water | True Cost | Insider Business on YouTube (https://youtu.be/Nw62AxyIRLw).
The disposal of clothing in landfills also contributes to pollution, as synthetic fibres can take hundreds of years to decompose and release harmful chemicals into the soil.
Whilst you could therefore argue we should switch to natural fibres, rather than synthetic, there are significant concerns relating to pollution from pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals used in processing and production of textile products from natural fibres.
While pesticides can be effective in protecting crops, they can also have negative impacts on human health and the environment. When pesticides are sprayed on crops, they can enter the soil and water, potentially contaminating drinking water sources and harming wildlife. Additionally, exposure to pesticides has been linked to health problems such as cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological disorders. Cotton, for example, is one of the most heavily sprayed crops, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers can contribute to water pollution and soil degradation. Additionally, the manufacturing process of natural fibres can require large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, which can also have negative environmental impacts. To address these issues, there are various efforts underway to promote more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in both agriculture and textile manufacturing. These include reducing the use of pesticides through integrated pest management practices, promoting organic agriculture, using water-efficient irrigation methods, and reducing energy and chemical use in textile manufacturing.
3. Worker Exploitation & Modern Day Slavery
Another serious consequence of fast fashion is the exploitation of workers, also known as modern-day slavery. In order to produce clothing quickly and cheaply, many fast fashion brands turn to low-wage workers in developing countries who are often forced to work in unsafe and inhumane conditions. According to the International Labour Organization, there are an estimated 16 million people in forced labour in the private sector, with many of them working in the fashion industry.
At the end of the day as consumers, we have a choice and perhaps we should all research the brands we invest our money in before making a purchase, such as their ethics, values and treatment of workers to drive a more sustainable future for everyone.
4. Fast Fashion Becomes Waste
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) raised the issue of tackling textile waste and highlighted the area of Fast Fashion as a key area making slow progress. Fashion is all about creativity, being able to express your individuality, whilst being stylish, practical and durable. Fast fashion has changed the drivers to become about buying something new. Clothing companies are making more clothing than customers realistically need or want and because they have become so cheap, it has become easier to buy. I know I’m certainly guilty of buying clothing that I’ve never worn, which later gets thrown away or given to charity.
When it comes to clothing donated to charity shops perhaps only 10 – 30% gets sold by them, this is then passed onto used clothing traders, with vast quantities being shipped overseas. Some of it is sold and the remainder ends up in landfill sites in African countries like Ghana, Kenya & Tanzania.
The traders there repurpose the clothing where they can, but much of the Fast Fashion is poor quality or badly constructed, meaning it will end up in landfills and near the ocean may end up wrapped around ropes from fishing boats. To see the report on YouTube: So, what can we do to address these issues and reduce the impact of fast fashion on the environment and society? | Foreign Correspondent | ABC News – In-Depth (https://youtu.be/bB3kuuBPVys)
5. Burning
That’s right some brands are actually burning their excess products. Excess stock can push down the market value and so some fashion houses have been incinerating the left over stock. It’s an industry secret how much, but it’s certainly going on. Greenpeace’s investigative journalists found waste from leading brands being used to burn fuel kilns in Cambodia. (https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/fast-fashion-climate-change-pollution-violence).
As a vast percentage of textile waste is plastic, once it is burned it also releases chemical fumes which are potentially toxic.
So, what can we do to address these issues and reduce the impact of fast fashion on the environment and society?
One approach is to support sustainable fashion brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. These brands use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and prioritize fair labour practices. Keep an eye out for our Salvage T-Shirts which use recycled materials (they first take used plastic bottles and recycle them into polyester, they then collect all the off cuts from the production of organic cotton T-shirts and weave them together producing a recycled poly/cotton fabric). Salvage products have the Global Recycle Standard Mark, and use certified organically produced cotton and certified Fair Wear Production, ensuring decent local pay and working conditions. Alternatively you could check out our vintage and upcycled collections, keep an eye out for our Trash Bazaar logo, all of these products are vintage, pre-loved or make use of recycled materials.
Additionally, we can all make a difference by buying less and buying better quality clothing, repairing and repurposing what we already have, and recycling or donating clothing that we no longer need.
In conclusion, fast fashion has serious links to climate change, pollution, and modern-day slavery. It’s up to us as consumers to make informed choices about the clothing that we buy and to support brands that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. By doing so, we can reduce the negative impact of our fashion choices on the planet and the people who make our clothes.