By: Fiona Hanlon
50 years ago, women only had 2 dresses. Now, it seems like we have a need for a new outfit for every night of the week. Any special occasion calls for a shopping spree. People are buying more clothing than ever and keeping them for half as long. Clothes are no longer just something we wear but a way we express ourselves. However, it is important to reflect on how our style choices affect the world and the environment.
When purchasing a new item for only $3.99, we may feel like we are getting a great deal, and sometimes it can be hard to turn down. However, it is too easy to ignore the true costs of the items we are purchasing. Most of what we purchase is not made in the US and instead manufactured in under developed countries that are exploited for cheap labor. These factories do not have labor laws that protect their workers or standards that they must hold their working conditions to. Thousands of lives have been lost due to garment factory disasters. The major profit of the fashion industry compared to the cents per hour that the people who make the clothes are making is extremely unethical.
The earth is feeling the effects of fast fashion more than we can see. A lot of the clothes produced by big brands end up in the dump. 85% of textiles go into landfills each year. The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity's carbon emissions, is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply, and pollutes the oceans with microplastics. It takes about 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt. Our planet is already struggling, and the choices we make in terms of buying clothing are only making things worse.
The negative impacts of fast fashion do not mean that we should stop appreciating clothing and style. Personally, what I wear has been a way that I have been able to express myself my whole life. Clothes are important to me and they make me feel good about myself. There are so many ways to shop ethically and fashionably without buying from major corporations. Instagram has become a platform where users can run their own virtual second hand stores. They operate as small businesses, and often sell unique, vintage items for a great price. Depop is another platform that allows people to create their own store, and help people express themselves through style. Shop small virtual stores! They will appreciate your business more than any corporation ever could.
Source: