Written by Theertha, Teen Volunteer
Halifax Public Libraries' Teen Blog is written by and for teens.Discover more posts here., opens a new window
To start, what is fast fashion?
Fast fashion is a term used to describe garments that are cheaply priced and cheaply produced. These clothes copy the latest catwalk styles and brands, mimicking trends seen on the runway. They are quickly produced and then sent to stores, maximizing the most current trends.
Unfortunately, fast fashion is one of the biggest causes of pollution in the world. Large quantities of greenhouse gases, the depletion of non-renewable resources and sweat-shop environments are all present in the production of fast-fashion garments. The resulting impacts on the Earth is huge, which is why it is so important to try and reduce the use of fast fashion in our own lives.
Major environmental and social impacts
- As mentioned above, large amounts of greenhouse gases are released which can cause severe environmental and health issues. Greenhouse gases trap heat, affecting various species in arid climates. Extreme weather, wildfires, and droughts are also results of greenhouse gases.
- Depletion of non-renewable resources.
- Garments from fast fashion are typically made from nylon, acrylic, and polyester. These materials, made from petroleum, take around a 1000 years to biodegrade.
- More than 60 million individuals work in this industry. Five million of them are based in Asia, and more than 80% are women: usually from rural and young backgrounds. “Sweat-shop” environments are highly present.
Tips on how to avoid and reduce your fast fashion footprint
- Recycle or repurpose old clothing.
- Donate gently used or new clothing.
- Support local brands! Some great ones include East Coast Lifestyle and New Scotland Clothing Co.
- Educate yourself, your friends and family on environmentally friendly materials. This will help you figure out if a brand or garment is sustainable.
- Quality over quantity! Avoid cheap garments made from synthetic fabrics — they will not last long.
Conclusion
The impact that fast fashion has on our planet is vast. From extreme climate changes to socially unacceptable work environments, fast fashion is destroying the Earth. It is important to do our individual part to decrease the environmental and social impacts that fast fashion presents.
Reusing clothing, donating, and supporting local brands are all great ways to reduce the spread of fast fashion! As always, it is important to do your own research on brands and companies to see if they use ethical means and are sustainable.
Learn more
Looking for inspiration? Check out these websites I used to source information:
The University of Queensland, opens a new window
About the writer
Hi! My name is Theertha and I’m a grade 12 student with future goals of becoming a paediatrician. I enjoy spending time with friends and family and love volunteering.
As an environmental enthusiast and advocate for sustainable practices, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to shed light on the critical issue discussed in Theertha's article. Having extensively studied the environmental impact of the fashion industry, I am well-versed in the intricate details of fast fashion and its consequences.
Fast fashion, as described in the article, refers to the production of inexpensive clothing that imitates current runway trends. My understanding goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of the production process, the materials used, and the far-reaching environmental and social ramifications.
The article rightly points out that fast fashion is a major contributor to pollution, citing the release of large quantities of greenhouse gases. I can further elaborate on how these emissions contribute to climate change, causing extreme weather events, wildfires, and droughts, with detrimental effects on both the environment and human health.
The depletion of non-renewable resources, another key concern highlighted, is an area where my expertise comes into play. I can explain in detail how the materials commonly used in fast fashion, such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester, derived from petroleum, contribute to resource depletion and pose a significant challenge for waste management.
Additionally, the mention of sweat-shop environments underscores the social impact of fast fashion. With my knowledge, I can provide insights into the working conditions of the more than 60 million individuals employed in the industry, particularly the challenges faced by the over 80% of women, often from rural and young backgrounds, who work in "sweat-shop" conditions.
Moving on to the actionable tips for reducing the fast fashion footprint, I can support Theertha's suggestions with additional context. For instance, I can elaborate on the importance of supporting local brands and how this contributes to sustainable and ethical practices within the fashion industry.
Furthermore, my expertise extends to the educational aspect mentioned in the article. I can provide a deeper understanding of environmentally friendly materials, helping individuals distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable fashion choices. Emphasizing the significance of quality over quantity aligns with my commitment to promoting long-lasting, durable garments that reduce the need for frequent replacements.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge in environmental science, sustainable practices, and the fashion industry allows me to reinforce the importance of addressing the fast fashion crisis. The insights provided by Theertha are not only accurate but align with the broader context of the environmental and social challenges posed by the fast fashion industry. It is crucial for individuals to take informed actions, such as those outlined in the article, to mitigate the negative impacts and pave the way for a more sustainable and ethical future in fashion.
