Did you know that one of the major global polluters is the fashion industry? Well, it is responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, nearly 20% of all freshwater pollution, and numerous other environmental issues. This calls for people to switch to more ethical practices in fashion. Sustainable clothing is the silver lining in the fashion industry – it makes consumers aware by addressing several problems related to fast fashion and providing an effective alternative.
Keep reading to get a detailed insight into fast fashion and sustainability.
How Does Fast Fashion Impact Us?
In this day and age, there is a wealth of knowledge available to us. We are aware of what’s happening around us and how we ought to behave in our communities. However, if we continue to make such shoddy purchases, we will never be able to understand the consequences of our actions.
We should start considering our consumption habits. What impact do our purchases have on the people who manufacture them? What happens once you dispose of your old clothing? Are they recycled adequately? What steps are you taking to combat the effects of fast fashion?
In order to produce fast fashion, companies employ cheap materials and cut corners. They save money by underpaying their employees and producing apparel in facilities that are devoid of adequate ventilation and safety measures. Once consumers decide that they no longer want such inexpensive goods as they soon become worn out or faded, they end up in landfills.
Why Is Fast Fashion Bad For The Planet?
Fast fashion isn’t sustainable for numerous reasons. These include:
- Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fibers are a major component in fast fashion. These fabrics are made out of petroleum and take hundreds of years for decomposing. This makes the fashion industry one of the largest contributors to climate change.
- Cheap Labor
Fast fashion relies heavily on globalization and just like all exploitative industries, it is powered by cheap labor to earn huge profits. Cheap labor means workers get lesser pay and fewer perks when compared to the people who are employed in expensive facilities.
- Creates Waste
Fast fashion also creates a lot of waste, a serious issue. When people buy clothing, they typically discard it when it becomes tattered or outdated. Therefore, the vast majority of these clothes are truly wasted.
- Harms Animals
Animals suffer severely from fast fashion. Animals raised specifically to create leather suffer terribly before their death. They do not have access to food or water while being kept in tiny cages. Leather is also produced from wild animal skins. This technique is unnecessary and cruel because killing wild animals causes them great suffering.
What Are The Benefits Of Switching To Sustainable Fashion?
Understandably, opting for sustainable clothing at first might seem difficult. As consumers, we are all used to purchasing clothes frequently and discarding them, as well as following the newest fashion trends. However, it is up to us to change our purchasing practices for the greater good as ethical consumers. Some of the many benefits of switching to sustainable fashion are:
- Saves Natural Resources
- Higher Quality Clothes, Higher Quality Life
- Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
- Fair Labor Practices
- Saves Animal Lives
- Requires Less Water
How Can Fashion Brands Be More Sustainable?
Even though it might appear that fast fashion and sustainability would never reconcile, a truce could be in the cards. Modern consumers are becoming more conscious and aware of the impact of their choices on the environment. This change sheds light on their purchasing patterns and production process.
Wondering what can a fashion retailer do to be a more sustainable brand? Listed below are some important changes to implement:
- Create fashion that lasts
- Source high-quality raw materials from ecological suppliers
- Be open and honest about their supply chains
- Make sure they choose an eco-friendly packaging
- Partner with sustainable branding partners
- Adopt a recycling strategy
- Switch to a renewable energy provider
- Utilize off-cut fabrics and materials
With each passing day, consumer demand is forcing the fashion industry to find effective ways to be more environmentally friendly. When it comes to sustainability and responsibility, numerous brands choose to ignore the concerns of their customers and, in turn, impact their brand value.
Final Thoughts:
With the deteriorating state of the planet, it’s more important than ever to educate every individual about the devastating effects of fast fashion and work toward sustainability. Sustainable fashion prioritizes the welfare and well-being of the environment and people. Together, we can move towards a healthier environment and lead to a better future for all of us. It’s time to switch to sustainable fashion and play your part as a conscious consumer!
