A Thread By Thread Look Into The Effects Of Fast-Fashion
By: Olivia Nerpouni
In the ever-evolving fashion industry, “fast fashion” has become synonymous with speed and accessibility. Like a carousel of fabrics spinning at the gravity of emerging trends, ‘fast fashion’ refers to the low-cost production of popular clothing styles worn amongst the masses. Environmental scholars across the globe have referred to fast-fashion pieces as ‘waste couture’; a characterization that is backed by the discovery of pollution traces made by polyester. Polyester, known as the most widely manufactured fiber, is made from petroleum - pointing to large amounts of crude oil and hydrogen chloride being produced by ephemeral styles. There is a hidden truth buried beneath the miles of cheap and trendy clothing tossed to the side when fads have ended: garments produced through fast-fashion processing are significant contributors of toxic-waste to our planet's ecosystem.
During the digital age of online shopping, consumers now have the chance to save the planet from their phones. By utilizing customized filters online to discover eco-friendly brands quicker, fashion-goers around the world will cement a new protocol for sporting new, ethically produced looks. Many brands now offer sustainable packaging and shipping, further reducing their harmful environmental impact. Brands like Levi’s and Timberland have been leading the charge since the 1990’s - pioneering sustainable production through the use of organic and recycled materials, resulting in reduced waste from operation processes. Wearing clothing pieces made by brands that practice environmentally conscious manufacturing is one the first steps individuals can take toward reclaiming their purchasing power.
Embracing the wonder of second-hand clothing stores is not only adventurous, but also reduces the negative impact seen from purchasing imported fast-fashion clothing from overseas. The production of clothing contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which stems from the cultivation of raw materials and the transportation of finished products. ‘Thrifting’ eliminates the standardization of toxic dyes attacking our clean drinking water, which further assists the effort to lower carbon emissions and promote a sustainable model of consumption. For the aesthetes in search of their next fashionable find, thrift shopping also offers an endless chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out from mainstream fashion. Second-hand shopping is an ethical practice that still grants individuals the liberty to express their style through unique clothing pairings. Fashion can be fabulous without being fast, and our planet deserves nothing less. Every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in, and the true essence of fashion is not plainly about what we wear. Our unique fashion choices encapsulate how we express our personal style: with purpose, passion, and with a planet in mind.