Written by: Julia Borchelt
The urgency of climate change has only intensified over the last decade and a myriad of efforts have been launched to combat climate change pertaining to transportation, agriculture and energy. Yet, minimal efforts have been directed to counter the extensive consequences of the fashion industry on the health of the planet.
Photo by Trusted Clothes
What is “Fast Fashion”?
“Fast fashion” is a contemporary term used to describe the process of the rapid production and sale of clothing, in adherence to the latest fashion trends. While the process allows for an abundance of affordable options for consumers, the practice is extremely detrimental to the welfare of the environment.
When did the practice of Fast Fashion begin?
Starting in the early 2000s, fashion companies began to capitalize over society’s eagerness to engage in consumerism by rapidly producing a myriad of new collections for each season. Companies like Forever 21, Shein and H&M are most commonly known for their unprincipled approach to fashion production; yet, even with manifold negative claims surrounding the businesses, their affordable prices shield them from public scrutiny. With this newfound practice of the rapid production of clothing, comes harmful effects on the environment and thus, society as a whole.
How has higher demand for clothing impacted global water sources?
The practice of fast fashion has only grown since, exemplified by the fact that in 2014, on average, individuals purchased 60% more articles of clothing than they did in 2000. Consequently, an exponentially greater amount of clothing in circulation has amplified the environmental consequences associated with clothing production. More specifically, the use of cotton, a highly water intensive plant, in many fabrics creates serious environmental concerns. For instance, the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan completely dried up as a consequence of nearby cotton farming. It was once one of the four largest lakes in the World yet, after 50 years of cotton farming depleting the water in the lake, the sea exists now as a desert. Moreover, the production of clothing is a leading contributor to water pollution as it is responsible for one fifth of worldwide industrial water pollution. Textile dyeing often results in the disposal of a mixture of water and dye into water sources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Along with water pollution, the textile industry contributes to 10% global carbon emissions and creates millions of tons of waste each year. As textile production becomes increasingly industrial, more microplastics and synthetic fibers are used in production. The use of microplastics and synthetic fibers in fashion production requires a great input of energy for production and are often derived from fossil fuels. Thus, when the article of clothing is disposed of, the fibers never fully decay. For example, polyester –a fiber present in a significant amount of textiles– when compared to cotton, releases two to three times more carbon emissions and is non-degradable.
What can you do?
As a consumer in a capitalist society, you have the power to financially support companies that prioritize the ethical and environmentally-friendly production of their textiles and garments. Moreover, ethical-produced clothing companies manufacture products of higher quality and oftentimes engage in fair-trade practices for their employees. The purchase of clothing from smaller businesses who engage in sustainable practices directly supports individuals and will help their business to grow. Although garments produced by ethical clothing companies are more expensive, you will gain an item of greater quality and one that is more unique when compared to garments purchased from unethical fashion corporations. Additionally, re-sale apps like Poshmark and Depop or any thrift store strive to allow for clothing to have a longer period in the system prior to being thrown into a landfill.
References
Fashion industry's carbon impact bigger than the airline industry's. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/earth-day-2019-fashion-industrys-carbon-impact-is-bigger-than-airline-industrys/.
McFall-Johnsen, M. (2019, October 21). The fashion industry emits more carbon than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Here are the biggest ways it impacts the planet. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-fashion-environmental-impact-pollution-emissions-waste-water-2019-10.
Merriam-Webster. Fast Fashion. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast fashion.
Schlossberg, T. (2019, September 3). How Fast Fashion Is Destroying the Planet. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/03/books/review/how-fast-fashion-is-destroying-the-planet.html.
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