FAST FASHION IMPACT
The term “fast fashion” refers to poorly produced and low-priced garments that are replicas of catwalk looks or celebrity styles. Retailers who have embraced this phenomenon, exercise a quick cycle of production so that their clothes can quickly release in the market and maximize on current trends. The number of fashion seasons has wildly increased from two a year to as many as 50-100 short seasons.
Every year around 80 billion new pieces of clothing are purchased by our global population. This is around 400% more than what was consumed just two decades ago. Garments purchased in the fast fashion cycle are made from the cheapest fabric and threads available. The clothing is constructed so poorly that it falls apart after a couple of wears. Consequently, each garment purchased is kept at a fraction of the period it was before, and as a result, billions of tons of solid clothing waste are sent to landfills yearly.
Countless hazardous chemicals are used to produce, dye, coat and soften the various fabrics required for fast fashion production. Environmental health hazards are met by those who work in or live near textile manufacturing facilities daily. The fast fashion industry alone emits 5% of global emissions and 20% of global wastewater.
Due to the current production, consumption and discard volumes of clothing, our natural systems are being pushed towards a breaking point and it’s not long until our environment can no longer sustain this form of fashion.
FAST FASHION IMPACT
The term “fast fashion” refers to poorly produced and low-priced garments that are replicas of catwalk looks or celebrity styles. Retailers who have embraced this phenomenon, exercise a quick cycle of production so that their clothes can quickly release in the market and maximize on current trends. The number of fashion seasons has wildly increased from two a year to as many as 50-100 short seasons.
Every year around 80 billion new pieces of clothing are purchased by our global population. This is around 400% more than what was consumed just two decades ago. Garments purchased in the fast fashion cycle are made from the cheapest fabric and threads available. The clothing is constructed so poorly that it falls apart after a couple of wears. Consequently, each garment purchased is kept at a fraction of the period it was before, and as a result, billions of tons of solid clothing waste are sent to landfills yearly.
Countless hazardous chemicals are used to produce, dye, coat and soften the various fabrics required for fast fashion production. Environmental health hazards are met by those who work in or live near textile manufacturing facilities daily. The fast fashion industry alone emits 5% of global emissions and 20% of global wastewater.
Due to the current production, consumption and discard volumes of clothing, our natural systems are being pushed towards a breaking point and it’s not long until our environment can no longer sustain this form of fashion.