Fight Fast Fashion's Destruction: Choose Sustainable manufacturing for your Brand
Fast fashion brands like SHEIN and Temu have fueled a dangerous cycle of consumerism that wreaks havoc on the environment and exploits workers. Their business model hinges on churning out trendy, low-quality clothing at breakneck speed. This creates a culture of disposability, where garments are worn a handful of times before being discarded. The average US consumer wears a fast fashion item 7 times or less and for every 5 items produced 3 items ends up in a landfill or incinerated within 1 year* (*McKinsey & Co.).
The environmental cost of this throwaway culture is staggering. SHEIN is launching 10,000 new products per day (during development there is a significant carbon footprint created). The production of these clothes, often made from non-sustainable fibers, relies heavily on fossil fuels and releases harmful chemicals into waterways. Additionally, the dyeing process is a major polluter, and mountains of discarded clothing end up in landfills, taking centuries to decompose and leaching toxins into the soil.
https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/
Furthermore, the breakneck speed and low prices often come at the expense of garment workers, who labor in factories with lax safety regulations and unfair wages. Reports of unsafe working conditions, long hours, and unfair pay are all too common in the fast fashion industry.
Thankfully, there are ways for consumers to break free from this harmful cycle. Look for clothes made from natural, sustainable materials using thoughtful manufacturing practices. These garments tend to last longer and have a smaller environmental footprint. Consider buying second-hand clothing, which gives pre-loved items a new lease on life and keeps them out of landfills.
European governments are starting to take a stand:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/15/style/france-fast-fashion-bill-intl-hnk?cid=ios_app
& we hope the US government will expeditiously follow suit:
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/01/shein-china-congress-forced-labor-inquiry.html
Ultimately, brand owners and consumers can take responsibility for our choices. Research and support the brands you love that share a similar morality to yours. Investing in well-made, timeless pieces from that transcend trends will see you through many seasons, reducing the need to constantly update your wardrobe. Finally, support brands committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Patagonia, Everlane, and Reformation are just a few of the brands that are countering the fast fashion movement. Do your research and look for companies that prioritize fair labor and eco-friendly production methods. By making informed choices, consumers can help push the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future.