As you step into H&M, you are overwhelmed with the trendiest items of clothing hanging on each wall. You look at the price tags and are pleased with the affordable prices. The world of Fast Fashion is taking over in malls, online sites and in friends’ closets. From Shein to Forever 21, affordable and accessible fashion like this is great, right? The package on your doorstep from Shein might seem like the perfect convenience, however, its journey to your doorstep is a lot darker than you might assume.
Fast Fashion is defined by inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass markets retailers in response to current trends. While it is hard to escape the world of fast fashion, its problematic system of producing clothes needs to be addressed.
Its cheap prices and accessibility are some of the reasons people support fast fashion, however, the negative consequences it has on our environment is an essential problem.
According to Business Insider, fashion production consists of 10% of global carbon emissions. This pollutes waters and rivers, while the majority of the textiles go to the dumps. In addition, the fashion industry needs 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt. Business Insider also states that textile dyeing is the earth’s second largest polluter of water.
It is important to acknowledge that the rapid production of clothing items is harmful to our earth. As we only have one home, we must treat it with the best care. Fast Fashion prevents this from happening and contributes to climate change. Unfortunately, unsafe working conditions are not a new conversation to anyone. According to Eco-Stylist, exploited workers in Bangladesh had been earning a monthly average of 11 takas, which is equivalent to living off of 4 USD per day. Eco-Stylist goes on to say that 98% of these workers do not make enough to live off their own.
Woman and children are subjected to this abuse, as sexual harassment and child labor takes place in these harsh work conditions. ActionAid Uk states, 1 in 10 women are molested, sexually assaulted and physically harmed if they fall short on deadlines or do not perform successfully. Including pregnant women being terminated from the company.
The solution to this epidemic is to budget more efficiently while shopping, shopping local and investing in timeless pieces of clothing.
The evil behind fast fashion needs to be recognized, however it is a challenge to escape the trendy and convenient stores. I myself have fallen victim to fast fashion, but it is necessary to contribute to fixing this problem by budgeting and creating a healthy balance with shopping.
The next time you step into an H&M store, suddenly the trendy sweaters don’t stand out to you anymore. Instead, the knowledge of the poor and abusive working conditions consume your mind. That package on your doorstep didn’t get to its destination without blood, sweat and tears. Fast Fashion is taking over, and it is our job to fix it.