Although fast-fashion clothing is a good deal, it is destroying our planet.
Although fast fashion is projected to be a $291-billion industry by 2032, it is actively destroying our planet (Uniform Market). Fast fashion is classified as inexpensive clothing mass-produced in response to the latest trends. As new trends come up consistently, companies are working overtime to provide their customers with up-to-date fashion. Although the trends might convince us to buy things, it is necessary to stay away from fast fashion.
Because of the demand for current trends, garment workers are overworked and underpaid. With this being said, the job can result in disaster, which has already been proven by the foundation that created the national Earth Day. According to an Earth Day article, “In April of 2013, a building in Bangladesh housing five garment factories collapsed, killing 1,132 people and injuring more than 2,500. Garment workers continue to face life-threatening working conditions just to be paid as low as $3.43 per day” (Earth Day). Fast fashion workers should not be experiencing life-threatening dangers at work while getting paid an amount that is not fit for living.
Although fast-fashion clothing is appealing, as it is trendy and cheap, customers must know the impact of buying fast-fashion items. There are a few fast-fashion companies that people try to stay away from, but their replacement companies are most likely fast fashion as well, as many people do not know the extent of how many companies are out there. Fast fashion is negatively impacting the government daily, causing wonders for what the future holds. Looking to the future, many aspects caused by fast fashion are projected to get worse as people continue to buy items.
Another main problem with fast fashion, one that is more recognized, is the environmental impact. Each year, 150 million trees are razed for supplies to make the clothes, and landfills are filled with 40-million tons of discarded clothing per year (Earth Day). As fast fashion clothing is made cheaply, it is of low quality, causing more clothes to end up in landfills compared to higher-quality clothes. There are other aspects of damage done to the world, including water. Clothing containing low-quality materials accounts for 35% of all ocean microplastics, and the fast fashion industry is responsible for 20% of all industrial wastewater (Earth Day). This adds to the negative effects of buying fast fashion and highlights the importance of not shopping for these brands.
With “microtrends” coming up on social media multiple times per month, people get influenced very easily to buy clothes according to them. Many items are wasted within this process, especially clothes, which cause significant damage to the environment. Even cycling through clothes, depending on the season, causes more demand for trendy clothes to prepare for the upcoming season. Buying from fast fashion companies causes more waste in most people’s closets, which is a waste of money and materials, making fast fashion not worth the purchase.
It is easy to fall for the influence of fast fashion, which I myself have done many times, but these companies will gradually cause remarkable damage to our planet, which is why it is important to stay away from big brands known for their cheap and trendy products. Over the years, fast fashion has skyrocketed into a major issue, affecting the environment and garment workers tremendously. The next time you are tempted to buy from fast fashion companies, think about whether it is going to be properly used and ask yourself if it is a necessary purchase.