These days, it's easy to walk into any mall or browse online stores and find racks upon racks of trendy, dirt-cheap clothing. This is the era of "fast fashion" - where the latest styles go from runway to store every few weeks to meet consumer demand for constant newness.
But behind those bargain bodysuits and $5 t-shirts is a dirty secret. Fast fashion is taking a devastating toll on the environment and human rights around the world. Here's a look at some of the major issues caused by this toxic business model:
Textile Waste
The fashion industry churns out about 100 billion garments per year. With such an emphasis on "look now, trash later," consumers treat clothing as disposable. The average person gets rid of 70 pounds of clothing and textiles annually, much of which goes straight to the landfill or incineration.
Water Pollution
Textile dying is one of the most chemical-intensive industries on earth. The toxic runoff from factories contaminates rivers and drinking water for millions. Making a single cotton t-shirt uses as much as 713 gallons of water.
Carbon Emissions
Fashion accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions - more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are made from fossil fuels, making them directly responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
Worker Exploitation
Fast fashion brands rely on a supply chain of overseas sweatshops with unsafe conditions and extremely low wages. Workers, many of them children, lack basic rights and representation.
It's clear that fast fashion's breakneck pace is destructive for people and the planet. As conscious consumers, we must be willing to pay more and buy less. Supporting sustainable, fairly made clothing is an investment in a better future for all.
