The Impact Of Fast Fashion On The Environment

Brands like Zara, Forever 21, and H&M can make cheap and nice clothes to satisfy young wannabe fashionistas. However, fast fashion takes an enormous toll on the environment. Indeed, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, "the industry is the second-biggest consumer of water, generates a fifth of global wastewater, and is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined." Consumers, however, overlook these quick fashion issues.

SHAMIMA BEGUMFASHION

Shamima Begum

8/1/20242 min read

The Impact Of Fast Fashion On The Environment
The Impact Of Fast Fashion On The Environment

The Impact Of Fast Fashion On The Environment

What is Fast Fashion?

The term 'quick fashion' has gained traction in discussions about fashion, sustainability, and environmental conscience. The word implies "cheaply produced and priced garments that copy the latest catwalk styles and are quickly pumped through stores to capitalize on current trends."

The fast fashion model is named after the rapid design, production, distribution, and marketing of apparel, which allows merchants to draw large amounts of product diversity while also providing consumers with more fashion and product distinction at a low cost.

  • Excessive Use of Water: The fashion business uses one-tenth of the water used in manufacturing and cleaning. To put this in context, it takes 10,000 liters of water to create one kilogram of cotton, or around 3,000 liters of water for one cotton shirt. Furthermore, textile dyeing uses harmful chemicals, which end up in our oceans. This process is responsible for around 20% of global wastewater production, which accumulates over time. As previously indicated, numerous manufacturers have relocated overseas, maybe to nations with fewer environmental restrictions, allowing untreated water to enter the ocean. Unfortunately, the wastewater generated is exceedingly hazardous and, in many situations, cannot be cleaned to make it safe again.

  • Plastic Microfibers: Synthetic materials are the leading cause of plastic microfibers entering our oceans. Specifically, these synthetic materials account for approximately 35% of all microplastics. To further reduce the price, companies use low-quality materials. For example, many of the fibers are composed of polyester, which contains plastic and emits considerably more carbon emissions than cotton. Furthermore, plastic degrades slowly in the ocean, taking a long period. When plastic degrades, it produces a poisonous chemical that has harms the marine ecosystems. Because these plastic microfibers cannot be removed, they wind up in the human food chain via aquatic life, having several detrimental health consequences.

  • Excessive Consumption of Clothes: The worth of clothing can diminish in the minds of consumers as a result of how affordable it is and how new trends can attract them to seek out more. According to the most recent statistics, 92 million metric tons of clothes were consumed globally in 2023. In recent decades, our society's consumption rate has risen. Although it may benefit our economy, more goods wind up in landfills since lesser quality clothes wear out after a few washes, necessitating the purchase of new clothes.

  • Use of Viscose: Viscose was launched in 1890 as a cheaper alternative to cotton for manufacture, marking the beginning of cellulosic. Viscose, commonly known as rayon, is a popular cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp. It has severely negative environmental consequences, including the use of hazardous chemicals and unethical material sourcing. Others are concerned about the consequences of the companies' usage of harmful chemicals in addition to environmental ones. For example, the carbon disulfide used in viscose fiber production has deadly health consequences for workers as well.

Conclusion:

The fashion industry is at present responsible for far more annual carbon emissions than all worldwide aircraft and maritime shipping put together. If the industry continues on its current trajectory, greenhouse gas emissions are predicted to rise by 50% within a decade. By studying the underlying reasons for the problem, we may connect the dots and create solutions. The article mentioned a few viable answers, but others include buying fast fashion firms with caution and advocating reform.

If you're unsure which brands to support, you're not alone. Conducting brand research before purchasing clothing can help you become a better customer and aim your purchases in a direction that corresponds with your environmental ideals.

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