Fast fashion is destroying our planet

Even though fast fashion is estimated to be a $291 billion industry by 2032, it is still destroying our planet (Uniform Market). Fast fashion is characterized as cheap clothes that are mass-produced according to the latest trends. As new trends are constantly emerging, companies are working overtime to provide their customers with the latest fashion. Although trends may convince us to buy things, it is necessary to avoid fast fashion.

Due to the need for modern techniques, garment workers are overworked and underpaid. Speaking of this, the work can cause a disaster, which is already proven by the foundation that established the National Day of the Nation. According to an Earth Day article, “In April 2013, a building in Bangladesh containing five garment factories collapsed, killing 1,132 people and injuring more than 2,500. Garment workers continue to face life-threatening conditions just to be paid less than $3.43 a day” (Earth Day). Fast fashion workers should not have to suffer life-threatening injuries on the job but still be paid a living wage.

Although fast fashion clothing is attractive, as it is fashionable and affordable, consumers must be aware of the consequences of buying fast fashion items. There are several fast fashion companies that people try to avoid, but new companies are also fast fashion, as many people don’t know how many companies are out there. Fast fashion is affecting the government every day, creating surprises for what the future holds. Looking to the future, it is predicted that many of the things caused by fast fashion will worsen as people continue to buy things.

Another big problem with fast fashion, which is more popular, is the environmental impact. Every year, 150 million trees are destroyed for materials to make clothes, and 40 million tons of discarded clothes fill landfills each year.Earth Day). Because fast fashion clothing is cheaply made, it is of low quality, which causes more clothes to end up at home compared to high quality clothing. There are other aspects of damage done to the earth, including water. Low-quality clothing makes up 35% of all marine microplastics, and the fast fashion industry is responsible for 20% of industrial wastewater (Earth Day). This adds to the negative effects of buying fast fashion and highlights the importance of not buying these products.

With “microtrends” appearing on social media several times a month, people are easily influenced to buy clothes based on them. A lot of things are wasted in this process, especially clothes, which causes a lot of damage to the environment. Even cycling in clothes, depending on the season, creates an increased demand for fashionable clothes to prepare for the next season. Buying from fast fashion companies creates a lot of waste in many people’s closets, which is a waste of money and materials, making fast fashion unaffordable.

It is easy to fall under the influence of fast fashion, which I have done many times, but these companies will cause incredible damage to our planet little by little, that is why it is important to stay away from big brands known for their cheap and ordinary products. Over the years, fast fashion has continued to be a major issue, affecting the environment and garment workers greatly. The next time you are tempted to buy a fast fashion company, think about whether it will be used properly and ask yourself if it is a necessary purchase.