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Introduction
As new fashion trends continue to emerge and evolve rapidly, fast fashion brands like Zara, Forever 21, and H&M create affordable apparel to meet the constant demand. Although these brands are easy on our wallets and more accessible than ever before, it comes with a hidden cost. Our environment is greatly impacted by these practices, which range from excessive energy and water usage to pollution from dangerous colours and synthetic materials. Fast fashion companies contribute to a throwaway culture by accelerating their manufacturing cycles, which results in significant textile waste and environmental damage.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the rapid and cost-effective manufacturing of clothing that quickly replicates popular styles from high-end designers, fashion labels, and trendy brands. By keeping prices low and constantly introducing new styles, brands create a cycle where consumers are encouraged to buy frequently and discard old items, often after only a few uses. The fast fashion boom, starting in the late 20th century, has brought significant environmental challenges and raised concerns about labor exploitation.
The roots of fast fashion can be traced back to the 1970s, when many retailers began outsourcing production to countries, especially in Asia, where labor costs were significantly lower. The industry gained momentum in the 1990s, as companies sped up production cycles to deliver current trends faster than ever.
How Does Fast Fashion Impact the Environment?
Fast fashion has a staggering environmental footprint, consuming vast amounts of non-renewable resources, generating significant greenhouse gas emissions, and relying heavily on water and energy. The fashion sector ranks as the second-highest industrial consumer of water, using around 700 gallons to produce a single cotton T-shirt. Additionally, textile dyeing is a major contributor to global water pollution, with contaminated dye water often dumped directly into local water bodies, harming ecosystems and wildlife.
A large portion of fast fashion garments are made from synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which resist decomposition and persist in the environment for a very long time. Washing these synthetic fabrics releases non-biodegradable fibers, known as microplastics, into waterways, adding to ocean pollution. The rapid turnover of fast fashion has led to an increase in clothing consumption, generating substantial textile waste as items are often discarded after only a few wears.
The transformation of synthetic materials like plastic into fabrics is an energy-intensive process that relies on large quantities of petroleum and releases toxic pollutants, including fine matter and harmful chemicals such as hydrogen chloride. Cotton, which is widely used in fast fashion, also has environmental challenges due to its reliance on heavy pesticide use, which threatens both farmers’ health and the surrounding environment. In fact, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change found that emissions from textile manufacturing alone are projected to skyrocket by 60% by 2030 underscoring the need to address the fast fashion industry’s heavy carbon footprint.
How Can We Avoid Fast Fashion?
1. Buy Second-Hand
Opt for thrift stores, vintage shops, and online resale platforms. Purchasing second-hand clothing not only reduces demand for new production but also helps extend the life of existing garments, minimizing waste and environmental impact. By choosing these items, you contribute to a circular economy, where resources are reused and repurposed rather than discarded.
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Choose durable, well-made pieces that are designed to last, even if they come at a higher price. Quality items often have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and decreasing textile waste. Investing in well-constructed clothing not only saves money in the long run but also supports a shift away from disposable fashion. Durable pieces can often be repaired or altered to extend their usability, reducing environmental impact and promoting a more mindful approach to consumption
3. Support Sustainable Brands
Look for brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and transparent supply chains. Many sustainable brands focus on creating clothing with minimal environmental impact. By supporting these brands, you contribute to a movement that values transparency, accountability, and responsibility, encouraging more companies to adopt ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Thrifted Threads: A Local Solution for Sustainability
At Laurier, one initiative is actively helping students engage in sustainable fashion: Thrifted Threads. Created by Maia Flinton and funded through Laurier's Sustainable Hawk Fund, this venture aims to reintroduce Laurier merchandise to the community through a sustainable approach. The project includes a feasibility study to explore selling pre-owned Laurier clothing on campus, allowing students to show school pride in an eco-friendly way. Additionally, Thrifted Threads hosts periodic workshops that educate students on clothing waste reduction and the importance of reuse.
By purchasing second-hand Laurier clothing, students help reduce demand for new production and contribute to a culture of reuse on campus. Programs like Thrifted Threads not only promote sustainability but also bring awareness to the impacts of fast fashion on a local scale. These initiatives are vital steps toward a more sustainable future, where students can make informed choices that benefit both their wallets and the planet.
