[INFORMATIVE] The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment

The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment

By: Valeria Fernandez

Fast fashion, characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive clothing that follows the latest trends, has transformed the fashion industry, but at an enormous environmental and human cost. Over the past two decades, the number of new garments made each year has nearly doubled, and global consumption of fashion has increased by 400%. While this business model offers affordable clothing and keeps up with consumer demand for the latest styles, it does so by exploiting resources and labor. The consequences of fast fashion are severe, impacting the environment, wildlife, and the workers who produce these garments.

Fast fashion is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. The manufacturing process is wasteful at every stage, causing widespread pollution and habitat destruction. This industry consumes vast amounts of water, up to 10,000 liters for one kilogram of cotton, and releases toxic chemicals from textile dyeing into water systems, which contribute to 20% of the world’s wastewater. These pollutants often come from factories in countries with lax environmental regulations, resulting in untreated wastewater entering the oceans.

Synthetic materials like polyester, commonly used in fast fashion, release microplastics into marine environments, where they can harm aquatic life and enter the human food chain. Polyester also emits more carbon during production compared to natural fibers like cotton and does not biodegrade easily, adding to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

The fast fashion industry’s reliance on low-wage labor, primarily in developing countries, further underscores its unsustainable practices. Workers, mostly young women, are subjected to dangerous conditions and unlivable wages, while companies profit massively. This exploitation is driven by the industry’s need to keep production costs low, which often involves cutting corners on safety and environmental standards.

Consumers play a significant role in the fast fashion cycle. Despite growing awareness of sustainability, the demand for fast fashion continues to grow. People are buying more but wearing each item less, with garments often ending up in landfills or being incinerated after only a few uses due to their poor quality. This cycle of overconsumption and waste increases the environmental impact, with 57% of discarded clothing ending up in landfills.

To address these challenges, a shift toward sustainable fashion is essential. Companies like Spinnova in Finland are developing innovative alternatives to traditional textile production, creating recyclable fibers from wood without harmful chemicals. Other biodegradable fibers, like modal and lyocell, use fewer resources and are gaining popularity due to their lower environmental footprint.

Consumers can also make a difference by supporting sustainable brands, reducing their consumption of fast fashion, and being mindful of their purchasing decisions. Simple actions, such as washing full loads of laundry to minimize water use and avoiding synthetic materials that shed microplastics, can also help reduce the environmental impact of our clothing choices.

The fashion industry is at a critical juncture. With its current trajectory, it could see a 50% increase in greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade. However, by raising awareness of the harmful impacts of fast fashion and promoting sustainable practices, we can shift the narrative from overconsumption to one that prioritizes environmental stewardship and human rights. By supporting innovative companies and making informed purchasing decisions, consumers can play a pivotal role in advocating for a cleaner, greener future in fashion.


Citations
“At What Cost? Unraveling the Harms of the Fast Fashion Industry.” At What Cost? Unravelling the Harms of the Fast Fashion Industry, www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/fast_fashion#:~:text=Waste%20occurs%20at%20every%20stage,of%20global%20carbon%20dioxide%20emissions. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.

“The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment - PSCI.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/7/20/the-impact-of-fast-fashion-on-the-environment. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.