REAL ISSUES

After understanding what fast fashion is from the last blog post, the bottom line is that fast fashion is centered around affordable and fashionable clothing produced rapidly. While this may seem appealing, let's look at the downsides.

What is the problem with Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion presents several problems that can be categorized into two main subheadings: environmental impact and human rights issues. As fashion journalist Lucy Siegle shortly puts it, "Fast Fashion isn't free. Someone somewhere is paying for it." 

If you're interested in exploring these issues further, I highly recommend watching the documentary, The True Cost.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS:

The fast fashion industry has been identified as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing the combined emissions of international shipping and aviation, as per a source.

TEXTILES:

Fashion retailers commonly use polyester, a plastic-based fabric that sheds tiny microplastic pieces into waterways when washed. These microplastics are so minuscule that they cannot be filtered out, and as a result, they are present in 84% of the world's drinking water, as reported by ORB media. In essence, we are consuming microplastics derived from our clothes, including yoga pants. 

In addition, most fast fashion brands obtain their cotton from India, where it is cultivated using significant amounts of pesticides. This has resulted in soil contamination, making it increasingly challenging to grow crops, among other problems.

DYES:

Fashion manufacturers often use synthetic dyes, such as acid, disperse, azo, and reactive dyes, to create vibrant colors on their garments. The production of a ton of fabric requires approximately 200 tons of water, and much of this water is discharged back into the environment as toxic waste. The disposal of wastewater is not regulated, leaving local communities and the environment vulnerable to harm caused by major brands and factory owners. To learn more about this topic, I recommend watching River Blue, a documentary that explores the most polluted rivers associated with the fashion industry.

LANDFILLS AND WASTE:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, textile waste accounts for nearly 5% of all landfill space, and the average American discards 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles each year.

INCINERATION:

To protect their brand image, many luxury and fast fashion brands incinerate their unsold clothing and products, rather than selling them at a steep discount. This practice is widespread, with brands such as Cartier, Burberry, Urban Outfitters, Walmart, Eddie Bauer, Michael Kors, Victoria's Secret, J.C. Penny, and others engaging in it. Cartier destroyed approximately $563 million worth of watches over two years, while Burberry incinerated $36.8 million worth of merchandise.

HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE:

The human rights issues associated with fast fashion companies are even more significant than their environmental impact. While I used to believe that garments were produced solely by industrial machines, the truth is that they are crafted by real people who are often treated very poorly.

POOR WORKING CONDITIONS:

Structural, electrical, and other safety hazards are prevalent in many factories that produce clothing on a large scale. This leads to frequent accidents, fires, injuries, and diseases.

Moreover, the lack of proper ventilation in most buildings means that workers are exposed to harmful fibers and toxic substances that they breathe in daily.

Due to the pressure to meet strict deadlines for clothing orders, garment workers are often denied breaks for basic needs such as going to the bathroom or drinking water. They also face verbal and physical abuse on a regular basis.

UNDERPAID LABOR:

Many garment workers are subjected to grueling work schedules, sometimes working 6-7 days a week for 14-16 hours each day. During busy seasons, they may be pressured to work until the early hours of the morning to meet production targets.

Despite the government-mandated minimum wage of £41.80 ($51.78) for entry-level garment workers, both children and adult employees often earn as little as £6.50 (8.05) per month, resulting in gross underpayment for their labor

CHILD LABOR:

Child labor is prevalent at every stage of the fashion industry, with children often employed in cotton fields to pollinate plants and in spinning, weaving, and dyeing mills.

Lucy Siegle notes that sequins and other embellishments on inexpensive clothing often indicate the use of child labor.

In the tanneries of Bangladesh, children as young as eight work to produce leather goods. These children are often exposed to toxic chemicals that can have a significant impact on their health and lifespan.