The Impact of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is a term used more and more over the years as the climate crisis has become ever more prominent and individuals seek to lead more sustainable lives. It begs the question: what is it? And why is it such a problem?

What is fast fashion?

Fast fashion has been described by Earth.org as “cheaply produced and priced garments that copy the latest catwalk styles and get pumped quickly through stores in order to maximise on current trends”. In other words, it allows retailers, like Shein and Zara , to make on-trend clothing available quickly and at a low cost.

What is its impact?

Such rapid production has a detrimental impact on the environment. The industry is thought to be responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined, and water usage to produce clothing in the UK alone amounts to 8 billion cubic metres annually - enough to provide for the UK’s population for two years. Around 92 million tonnes of textile waste go to landfill globally each year, including clothing made from synthetic fibres that won’t biodegrade for hundreds of years.

The impact of this industry isn’t just environmental but social, too - garment factory workers can be working for less than a living wage and in unsafe and inhumane conditions, further cementing the harm of fast fashion.

Second hand clothes

How can we help?

Such negative statistics can be overwhelming, but there are ways individuals can be more sustainable in their buying habits:

1. Buy second-hand: Browse charity shops or online second-hand stores and apps, like Vinted and Depop. This way, you’ll avoid funding large corporations running on a fast fashion model and still pick up clothes on a budget.
   

2. Recycle, reuse or swap: Recycle clothing when you can, buy garments you know you’ll keep wearing and participate in clothes swaps - there’s one coming up in Overton on 14th June. See this blog post here.
   

3. If you can, invest in better quality items: This will help prevent you from needing to replace your clothes regularly. Lots of brands are available on preloved sites and shops, so you might find a bargain!
   

4. Research the brands you buy from: It helps to know what practices brands are using when you want to make a sustainable clothing purchase, so make sure to do your research and be aware of greenwashing - where companies market their brands as greener than they truly are.

   
   

5. Avoid overbuying: Consider reflecting on your habits and avoiding making purchases when you can. While clothes do sometimes need to be replaced, think about where you might be overconsuming.

   
   

There’s no doubt that the fast fashion industry is a harmful one, and the statistics lay bare its impact on both the planet and the people working to produce these garments. Cheap clothing can be attractive when buying on a budget, however the tips above go some way into showing that we can all make more sustainable decisions without breaking the bank.