The True Cost of Fast Fashion
The MO of “fast fashion” brands is to mass-produce trendy designs at a low cost. While some brands are working on a greener selection, we know that greenwashing, waste, and human rights violations abound in the fashion industry. Emma Mathews, founder of the sustainable British sock brand Socko and author of How to Quit Fast Fashion: 100 Expert Tips for a Sustainable Wardrobe, advises us on how to take meaningful steps towards quitting fast fashion.
According to Mathews, clothing is more than just the sum of its materials. Behind every garment are people, water, agriculture, energy, and transportation emissions. The fashion industry produces more carbon emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined, and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. Despite this, 85% of all textiles end up in the dump each year.
In Mathews’ view, the hazards of fast fashion are greatest for textile and garment workers and the environment. The industry prioritizes low-cost clothing over people’s lives, leading to appalling working conditions for garment makers. One of the starkest examples is the 2013 Rana Plaza fire in Bangladesh, during which 1,100 people died and another 2,500 were injured.
Tips To Help You Quit Fast Fashion
1. Rethink Your Closet: Form a stronger bond with your wardrobe, consider donations or clothing swaps, and flirt with the capsule wardrobe approach.
2. Enhance Your Existing Wardrobe: Lessen your clothing’s impact on the environment by exploring vintage items or shopping secondhand.
3. Make Your Clothing Last: Take care of your clothes, learn fundamental preservation principles, and explore repair techniques for longer-lasting wear.
4. Shop With Sustainability in Mind: Look for fair trade and organic materials, shop sparingly, and support brands that prioritize ethical practices and garment workers.
5. Learn How Fashion Is Changing: Keep up with brands making progress towards sustainability and support their efforts.
