Yesterday, we bought from Inditex and Primark without thinking about sustainability, today the fast fashion industry is the enemy of sustainable development.
Fast fashion’s concept relies on lower prices and a wide range of clothes that you can change frequently. In a nutshell, it is affordable and always trendy, so why is it a threat for the environment?
First of all, the mass of water involved in the production chain: 20% of wastewater is produce by textile dyeing. Furthermore, fabrics are often toxic and dangerous for our health; our skin absorbs all the chemical substances contained in our clothes.
This due to the fact that poor quality means polyester textiles which are strictly linked to the microplastic released in the waterways when you wash clothes. Producing plastic fibres requires a large amount of energy and petroleum provided by non-renewable sources.
Fast fashion giants always push clients to renew the wardrobe; thus, your clothes’ lifetime is reduced, and they are not recycled or donate to people in poor countries.
In order to live a more sustainable and responsible life, we can make a difference thanks to small actions. For instance:
Buy less and reduces our consumerism.
Choose a sustainable brand.
Try to repair our clothes, donate or recycle them.
Consider vintage clothes.
Exchange clothes with our peers.
Today, the challenge for companies is to find the right balance between high profits and sustainability. The market is changing, and the consumer is conscious. This means that companies need to invest in Corporate social responsibility and innovation.
Sources
https://www.sustainyourstyle.org/en/toxic-clothing
https://healthyhumanlife.com/blogs/news/what-is-fast-fashion
https://impakter.com/fast-fashion-effect-on-the-environment/
