The True Cost of Fast Fashion: How it's Harming the Environment and Society

Fast fashion: the unstoppable trend machine that pumps out cheap flashy clothes faster than you can say "impulse buy." It's like having a runway show in your pocket, right?  The industry is already worth billions of dollars. In 2022, the global fast fashion market was valued at $106.42 billion. This is expected to grow to $184.96 billion by 2027. The growth is being driven by a number of factors, like the increasing popularity of online shopping and a growing demand for affordable clothing. Social media proliferation increases the FOMO for the latest fashion trends, and there’s also the increasing disposable income of people in developing countries. 

It’s a whirlwind romance that leaves us with a closet bursting at the seams. But beneath the surface of this passionate affair lies a tangled web of environmental havoc and social consequences. Looking beyond the aisles of bargain bins and flashy trends, you'll find a trail of environmental destruction and social consequences. In this blog, we'll shine a light on the underbelly of the fashion industry. Brace yourself for tales of exploited workers, mountains of textile waste, and a planet desperately gasping for breath.

Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

This industry's environmental impact is like a never-ending cycle of wardrobe malfunctions, where Mother Nature is left clutching her pearls and wondering if she should start a slow fashion revolution. Here are some of the environmental consequences of fast fashion:

Production of greenhouse gases and air pollution from textile manufacturing

Ever wondered how the production of synthetic fibers like polyester affects our environment? The production of such textiles releases a substantial amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to climate change and global warming. 

For example, polyester production alone emits approximately 706 billion kg of greenhouse gases annually, which is equivalent to the emissions of 185 coal-fired power plants.

Other fabrics include:

• Nylon, made from petroleum, and it takes about 60 barrels of oil to produce one ton of nylon.
• Spandex also made from petroleum, requiring 40 barrels of oil to produce one ton of spandex.
• Leatherette, a petroleum-based synthetic fabric
• Faux fur, a synthetic fabric made from acrylic or polyester, whose production releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

More consumers are learning about the environmental impact of synthetic fiber production while researching fast fashion. This is causing them to re-evaluate her shopping habits and look for alternative materials that have a lower carbon footprint.

Water pollution and excessive water usage in dyeing and finishing processes

Picture yourself walking along a beautiful river, enjoying the serene view. Now, imagine that river turning into a murky, polluted mess due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from textile factories. You don’t have to be a nature enthusiast to be appalled by the massive amounts of polluted water being discharged into water bodies. The effluents contain a range of chemicals, including dyes, heavy metals, and toxic substances, which can contaminate local water bodies and harm aquatic ecosystems. In fact, it is estimated that the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of industrial wastewater. 

The dyeing and finishing processes in fast fashion production are highly water-intensive. Dyeing requires fabric to be immersed in large amounts of water along with chemical dyes, and the excess dye and chemicals are washed off, creating polluted wastewater. Finishing processes such as washing and treating fabrics also require substantial water usage, often involving multiple rinsing steps. Fast fashion's rapid production and high demand for garments further increase water consumption, particularly in regions with limited water resources.

This is also a concern with:

• Rayon, a semi-synthetic fabric that is made from wood pulp. The production of rayon requires a lot of water and chemicals. It takes about 700 gallons of water to produce one kilogram of rayon.
• Viscose, another semi-synthetic fabric that is made from wood pulp - consuming about 700 gallons of water for every kilogram of viscose.
• Denim, a type of cotton fabric that is made from a strong, durable yarn, where 4,500 gallons of water are needed to produce one pair of jeans.

As a result, these water-intensive practices have two significant consequences. Firstly, they contribute to overall water scarcity in regions already facing water stress, creating challenges for communities that rely on these limited water resources for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation. Water scarcity leads to socio-economic and environmental issues such as reduced crop yields and conflicts over water rights.

Deforestation and land degradation for raw material production

News articles featuring images of forests being cleared to make room for cotton plantations are disturbing to say the least. Fast fashion's demand for raw materials, contributes to deforestation and land degradation. This leads to native plant and animal species losing their habitats.

Moreover, the heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers in cotton cultivation further damages ecosystems and poses risks to biodiversity. Cotton actually occupies 2.5% of the world's agricultural land. This is equivalent to about 120 million hectares - and also takes up 24% of insecticides and 11% of pesticides. Add that to being a water-intensive crop, which causes it to take a toll on the environment. 

Sustainable cotton production practices that can help to reduce the environmental impact of cotton farming - that's why you should look for clothes that include "organic cotton" labels.

Generation of textile waste and its impact on landfills

What happens to all the clothes we discard?

Fast fashion's "throwaway culture" encourages rapid disposal of clothing items. As a result, landfills are inundated with textile waste that takes years to decompose. The decomposition process releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, the production of synthetic fibers, commonly used in fast fashion, involves non-renewable resources and contributes to the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. 

It is estimated that the fashion industry generates about 92 million tons of textile waste each year. There are plenty of ways you can make a difference – from buying quality clothes that last, to starting a local clothing recycling initiative, that educates your community about the importance of reducing such waste and offering convenient drop-off points for old clothes.

Social Impact of Fast Fashion

Next up are the social problems. From exploitative labor practices to the perpetuation of inequality, fast fashion has woven a complex web of social implications. Think about the workers in sweatshops, toiling away in unsafe conditions, just so we can buy clothes at unbelievably low prices. What of the toll it takes on local economies and traditional artisans who can't compete with the mass production and low prices of fast fashion brands? Let's explore these and more:

Exploitation of workers in garment factories

Imagine working in a cramped, unsafe factory for long hours, earning a meager wage that barely covers your basic needs. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many garment workers in fast fashion supply chains, primarily in developing countries. AS a result, sweat shops have popped up all over. 

The pursuit of low production costs often leads to the exploitation of workers, perpetuating poverty and income inequality. In some countries, garment workers earn as little as $2 per day in Ahmedabad (India) and under $1 in Lahore (Pakistan), far below what is necessary for a decent standard of living. 

Garment factories supplying fast fashion brands are also notorious for their unsafe working conditions. Workers face hazards such as inadequate ventilation, exposure to harmful chemicals, and even structural collapses. Tragic incidents, like the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh that claimed the lives of over 1,100 garment workers, highlight the hazardous working conditions faced by garment workers in the industry. 

Boohoo faced significant backlash in 2020 for poor working conditions, including low wages, inadequate safety measures, and excessive hours in its supplier factories; Fashion Nova came under fire for labor rights violations and unsafe working conditions, such as underpayment, long hours, and insufficient safety measures;  ASOS was exposed in an investigation for its poor working conditions, including excessive surveillance, strict productivity targets, and workers' fear of taking sick leave; Everlane  employees have spoken out against mistreatment, alleging a toxic work environment, unfair terminations, and anti-union practices – there is no shortage of heartbreaking stories of long working hours, low wages, and unsafe conditions. Are your shopping choices contributing to them?

Human rights violations and lack of labor regulations

Fast fashion's global supply chains often lack transparency, making it difficult to trace the origin of garments. This lack of accountability enables human rights violations, including forced labor, child labor, and unsafe working conditions. Moreover, weak labor regulations in some countries fail to protect the rights and well-being of garment workers. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately 170 million children are engaged in child labor, with a significant portion working in the textile and garment industry.

Fast fashion's contribution to modern slavery

The complexity and opacity of fast fashion supply chains make them susceptible to modern slavery practices. From raw material extraction to manufacturing and distribution, exploitative labor conditions are prevalent. Consumers unknowingly contribute to this injustice when they purchase clothing from brands that do not prioritize ethical practices. It is estimated that around 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with the fashion industry playing a significant role. 

What Can You Do? Consumer Awareness and Choices

Consumer choices play a crucial role in driving change within the fast fashion industry. By spreading the word about the impact of fast fashion, we can empower others to make more conscious and responsible shopping decisions. Through informative campaigns, documentaries, and social media, consumers can learn about the true cost of their clothing and understand the urgency for change.

Individually, you can make a significant difference by adopting a more mindful approach to fashion. This includes buying fewer but higher-quality garments, focusing on timeless pieces that transcend trends. Prioritizing durability and versatility allows for extended use and reduces the need for frequent replacements. Let’s look at some sustainable choices you can consider:

• Buying from ethical and sustainable fashion brands

Supporting brands that prioritize fair labor practices, use eco-friendly materials, and have transparent supply chains can drive positive change. These brands often come with certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, Organic, or B Corp, ensuring responsible and sustainable practices.

• Embracing slow fashion and timeless pieces

Slow fashion encourages a shift away from disposable clothing and towards garments designed to withstand the test of time. Investing in well-made, versatile pieces that can be worn season after season promotes sustainability and reduces waste.

• Second-hand shopping and clothing swaps

Opting for second-hand clothing not only extends the lifespan of garments but also reduces the demand for new production. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms offer a treasure trove of unique and affordable clothing options. Organizing clothing swaps with friends or within communities is another fun and sustainable way to refresh wardrobes.

• Renting or borrowing clothes for special occasions

Renting formal attire or borrowing clothes from friends and family for special events reduces the need for purchasing items that might only be worn once. This sharing economy approach minimizes waste and maximizes the use of existing resources.

• Supporting local artisans and fair-trade initiatives

Seeking out local artisans, independent designers, and fair-trade initiatives helps sustain traditional craftsmanship and ensures fair wages and safe working conditions. By supporting these ethical practices, consumers contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and empower artisans in marginalized communities.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Clothing

Another essential aspect of sustainable fashion is extending the lifespan of the clothes. You can do this by:

• Proper care and maintenance, including washing and storage: Following garment care instructions, washing clothes in cold water, and air-drying them can prevent premature wear and color fading. Proper storage, such as using garment bags or hanging items instead of cramming them in drawers, helps maintain their quality.
• Repurposing and upcycling old clothes: Get creative and give new life to old garments by repurposing them into new items or upcycling them into accessories or home decor. This not only reduces waste but also showcases individual style and creativity.
• Donating or selling unwanted items instead of discarding them: When clothing no longer serves its purpose, consider donating it to charities or selling it through online platforms. This way, someone else can find value in the garment, reducing the overall environmental impact.

The Vustra Way: Choosing Style with a Conscience

In conclusion, the urgent need for change in the fashion industry is evident, and as consumers, we have the power to make a difference. By embracing sustainable choices and supporting ethical brands like Vustra we can contribute to a more sustainable fashion future. Vustra is a menswear brand committed to ethical practices and offers a range of stylish, eco-conscious clothing crafted from sustainable materials like certified organic cotton and linen. 

Shop for eco-friendly fashionwear at Vustra and join the movement towards conscious fashion. Together, we can create a significant positive impact on the environment and society, one garment at a time. Choose sustainability and let your fashion choices reflect your values.