Fast Fashion’s Hidden Cost
By: Jay Nam
Brandy Melville, Stüssy, & Lululemon: three fashion giants that dominate California’s fashion scene, and for good reason. California is a hub of fashion staples. Flagship companies like the big three set and cycle through trends for the consumer to buy and enjoy. However, we pay a big price (not just for the clothes) but for an extravagant culture that’s quickly killing sustainability and fair labor.
Fast fashion culture capitalizes on ‘striking when the iron is hot.’ Corporations identify patterns, create demand, and mass-produce to sell. Initially, this seems like a win-win; consumers get clothes they want for cheap while companies cut a fat profit.
This system only gets messy when you start looking at how it's achieved. The fashion industry contributes to 8-10% of all global emissions, and, as fast fashion and consumer demands grow, the UN projects emissions from textile manufacturing alone to rocket by 60% in the next five years.
These companies also take advantage of cheap labor in exploitative, dangerous factories to meet this mass production. Holistically, only 2% of garment workers can meet their daily needs off of their wages. And, as a women-dominated industry, it’s particularly vulnerable to abuse. Women constitute up to 80 to 85% of garment workers, and up to 50% of these women have experienced sexual harassment.
This article isn’t meant to shame anyone who needs clothes at a reasonable price (members at Conscious Closet are the first to take up a good deal!). But, with 85% of all textiles ending up in dumps, it’s important to consider what clothes are a fad v.s. something you would actually wear.
One tip I always ask myself is whether or not I could see myself wearing the clothes I buy 3 years from now (if not, it’s probably best to save your money). Next advice is to thrift! Shopping for second-hand clothes with friends can be so much more affordable and rewarding, especially if you buy a gem for a good deal. Research sustainable clothing brands, check the fabric tags for quality over quantity, and make sure to shop responsibly!
