fashion footprint essay

Fashion Footprint: How Clothes Are Destroying Our Planet and the Growing Impacts of Fast Fashion

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Home > Books > Global Warming - A Concerning Component of Climate Change

Fashion Footprint: How Clothes Are Destroying Our Planet and the Growing Impacts of Fast Fashion

Submitted: 25 May 2023 Reviewed: 01 June 2023 Published: 13 July 2023

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1002000

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Global Warming - A Concerning Component of Climate Change

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From agriculture and petrochemical production to manufacturing, logistics, and retail, the textile and fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, responsible for between 8 to 10% of total carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater, with a predicted increase of 50% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To gain a better understanding of the state of the academic literature on the environmental impact of fast fashion, we systematically identified and analysed 30 publications published between January 2000 and December 2022. In the end, we discovered that there is a growing research interest in fast fashion, especially in relation to its devastating environmental impacts, which range from the cultivation of raw fibres to the recycling of fashion waste. Subsequently, we provide a summary of the key findings, including the carbon and water footprints, as well as some sustainable practices believed to reduce the industry’s negative environmental impacts.

• fast fashion
• climate change
• greenhouse gas emissions
• global warming
• environmental impact
• sustainable fashion
• fashion footprint
• textile industry

Author Information

Stelios andreadakis *.

• Brunel University, London, UK

Prince Owusu-Wiredu

*Address all correspondence to: [email protected]

1. Introduction

In recent years, discussions of global warming and the resulting issue of climate change have become increasingly popular in political and scientific discourses. It is not only the most talked-about topic of the day, but also the focal point of political and social campaigns in countries across the globe. Today, one of the most obvious ways in which the clothes we wear contribute to global warming is by littering developing countries, which lack the infrastructure to properly manage such waste, with the massive amount of fast fashion waste consumed in countries of the Global North, referred to in the following text as the West [ 1 ]. Individually, determining the most efficient approach to addressing climate issues can be overwhelming. That is, at the individual level, climate action involves changing habits and routines by making choices that have less harmful effects on the environment [ 1 ]. In addition, individuals may demonstrate an interest in how they can influence system-wide changes within organisations. Notwithstanding its intricacies, the clothing and fashion sector represents a highly consequential industry that affords us all the opportunities to exert a positive influence on the environment [ 2 ]. According to a recent report, the industry is responsible for between 8 and 10 percent of global emissions, a figure that exceeds the combined emissions of aviation and shipping [ 1 ]. In addition to the predicted increase of 50% in the industry’s carbon footprint by 2030, the industry emits 1.2 billion tons of CO 2 annually [ 3 ].

Consequently, this chapter provides a welcome opportunity to discuss the environmental cost of fast fashion, establishing how the clothes we wear significantly contribute to global warming and the issue of climate change as a whole, from the cultivation of raw fibres to the recycling of textile waste, including the vast quantities dumped in developing countries, particularly those in Africa, where these clothes end up in landfills and are burned on open frames, emitting twice as much greenhouse gas as other well-known sources [ 4 , 5 ]. Although rising temperatures are associated with the vast majority, if not all, extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, the effect our clothing has on rising temperatures and thus global warming has not been adequately brought to the public’s attention; therefore, the industry continues to flood the market with what has been labelled cheaply-produced-disposable clothing [ 3 , 6 ].

2. What is fast fashion and why is it a problem?

Nine years ago, the issue of where our clothes come from went from being a matter of curiosity to something more urgent. It was on April 24, 2013, when the Rana Plaza disaster occurred on the outskirts of Dhaka in Bangladesh; more than 1130 individuals perished when the factory in which they worked collapsed [ 4 ]. Today, worse than this is the potential for the industry to contribute to a serious global catastrophe that could wipe out the entire human race if ‘precautionary measures’ are not taken to regulate its operations [ 3 , 7 ]. According to a recent study, not only does the global apparel industry contribute more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined, but the purchase of a single white cotton shirt produces the same amount of emissions as driving 35 miles in a car [ 3 ]. Given the veracity of these findings, we have no choice but to reevaluate the environmental impact of the industry in terms of the responsibility of corporations to protect the environment.

To begin, the term “fast fashion” refers to affordable yet fashionable garments that are cheaply produced and quickly abandoned in favour of new styles [ 8 , 9 ]. Internationally, while China is the world’s top textile exporter and leads the fashion industry, the U.S and the EU consume more than half of the industry’s output, and Africa, particularly East and West African nations, is drowned under the weight of second-hand goods dumped at their shores [ 6 , 9 ]. Despite the fact that clothes are an integral part of our daily lives, many people fail to consider their origins and how they ended up in their closets. In other words, from the cultivation of fibres that will become textiles to the dying processes and final consumption, the clothes we wear impact our environment at every step [ 3 , 8 ]. Today, these effects are exacerbated by the rapid production of inexpensive clothing that mimics the ever-changing trends of high-fashion brands. According to one report, the industry is the second-most polluting, just behind the oil/fossil fuel industry [ 5 ].

While waste production can contribute to a variety of environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions, the production of waste from fast fashion is no exception. In other words, while the clothing and textile industry is notorious for contributing significantly to contemporary environmental problems such as climate change and/or global warming, the advent of fast fashion has exacerbated the problem [ 7 ]. In the age of cameras living in our pockets, it seems as though every moment demands us to be “picture-perfect” [ 8 , 9 ]. This demand for perfection has greatly benefited the fashion industry, especially the niche industry of “fast fashion” [ 9 ]. From T-shirts and shoes to accessories, fast fashion brands have emerged as a more affordable alternative to high-end designers such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent.

While fast fashion currently dominates the industry in terms of speed, price, and marketing, these companies are not known for their innovative or ground-breaking designs, nor for their ethical business practices [ 9 ]. On the other hand, High-end designers such Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and others are known for setting trends and fashion standards while remaining within the limits of their operations, especially in terms of the environment. Thus, given the fashion industry’s limited avenues for innovative designs, as well as the possibility that different companies will mirror similarities in products, there should be a protective line that guards the industry to prevent unnecessary competition at the expense of the environment [ 6 , 9 ]. The ability of fast fashion brands to produce clothes at a fraction of the cost of their more expensive counterparts has contributed not only to an increase in clothing consumption, but also to an increase in the environmental impacts of clothing.

As consumers actively seek trendy clothing at affordable prices, fast fashion brands such as Zara, H&M, UNIQLO, GAP, Forever 21, Topshop, Esprit, Primark, Fashion Nova, and New Look have imitated the distinctive looks of high-end designers and sold their products at a fraction of the price [ 8 ]. Consequently, the current fashion market is characterised by ever-changing trends. In other words, what is fashionable today can change in an instant based on a variety of factors, such as social media effects, celebrity couture looks, and popular culture, among others [ 8 , 9 ]. The Spanish company and leader in fast fashion, Zara, rose to prominence in the 1990s by delivering twice-weekly shipments of new clothing [ 9 , 10 ]. The company established the standard for fast fashion when it began producing clothing under its own brand, which imitated the newest fashion trends while being mass-produced. A product was designed and mass-produced rapidly, and it was only available for a limited time. The production and retail methods were based on limited sale periods, in which a product was designed and mass-produced quickly and only sold for a limited time [ 10 ].

Today, 30 years after the invention of Zara’s fast fashion marketing strategy, companies such as Forever 21, H&M, Primark, and many others have adopted a similar strategy, now with daily rather than weekly introductions of new clothing [ 8 , 11 ]. In contrast, higher-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and others, release new designs four times a year; consequently, the term “52 season companies” was coined to describe brands that dominate the fast fashion industry. That is, despite its economic benefits, fast fashion is in many ways detrimental to the human environment, as not only does the industry pollute the environment through its manufacturing processes, but the market also generates so much waste that the law must intervene against such a barbaric business model. While some of the largest names in the industry have a physical retail presence, fast fashion is widely known to dominate the e-commerce realm, i.e., online shopping [ 10 , 11 ]. The perception that wearing an item only a few times is acceptable has led to an increase in discarded items, which has fueled overconsumption and overproduction. Consequently, to reduce the environmental impact of the industry, this misconception must be eradicated. Within the first 15 years of the twenty first century, clothing production doubled, and since the year 2000, most brands have released as many as 24 collections per year, for both the summer and winter seasons [ 9 ]. In the past, there were two clothing-buying seasons (Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter), but now there are 52 microseasons, one for each week. That is, to remain profitable, fast fashion brands produce vast quantities of clothing, which not only pollute the environment, but requires a substantial amount of resources [ 11 ].

Big fashion brands grow in popularity for one simple reason: people want the latest styles, which are frequently pioneered by celebrity actors, musicians, or models [ 9 ]. The main issue is that these big fashion brands tend to charge a lot for their clothes, with huge price differences between, say, a jacket from Primark and one from Gucci. Actually, the term ‘fast fashion’ was coined when some companies realised they could imitate the latest fashion trends from major fashion brands and sell them at a fraction of the price [ 9 , 10 ]. Why is this an issue? The issue is that large fashion brands rely on a rapid turnover for their expensive items, with a relatively smaller group of wealthy individuals regularly purchasing expensive items. Because fast fashion is constantly seeking to imitate major fashion brands, a similar situation of relying on a quick turnover occurs, although the profit per item is significantly lower [ 8 , 11 ]. Consequently, fast fashion requires a significantly larger audience to generate revenue. If a much larger audience constantly purchases copies of whatever the most recent fashion trends are, a large quantity of clothing, footwear, etc. must be produced [ 11 ]. This partially explains why fast fashion poses a significant environmental threat, as in addition to the pollution caused by the production of such large quantities, the improper management of fashion waste, such as dumping in developing countries, has a detrimental impact on our planet.

To gain a better understanding of the academic literature on the environmental impact of the industry, we systematically identified and analysed 30 publications published between January 2000 and December 2022, from an analysis of 115 papers in order to compile a comprehensive collection of articles pertinent to the topic of study. Drawing on text analysis, the systematic review process involved four essential steps. Originally, the literature to be reviewed was identified using a topic-specific Google Scholar search. The objective was to conduct a search that was large enough to be exhaustive but also completely focused on the topics at hand. The following is the search query that was used to retrieve the primary dataset:

Clothing OR Apparel OR Textile OR Fashion OR Fabric OR Cloth* AND (Impact OR Sustainab* OR Environment* OR Effect OR Climate OR Pollution OR Emission* OR Greenhouse, CO 2 OR Landfill*).

The search was conducted on April 5, 2023, yielding a total of 225,000 articles for analysis. Next, the titles and abstracts were screened for relevance to the scope of the review using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles were excluded if they were unrelated to fast fashion, centred solely on solid waste treatment methods, or made no connection between the textile industry and greenhouse gas emissions or environmental impacts. Out of the 115 papers initially deemed relevant, a total of 30 were selected for analysis: 10 from Heinonline, 15 from Web of Science, and 5 from highly cited papers on ResearchGate, i.e., resulting in a dataset of 30 relevant articles. Finally, the content of the selected studies was analysed for major themes related to fast fashion, such as waste pollution, Greenhouse gas emissions, environmental impact, the effect of landfills, sustainability, climate change, global warming, waste trafficking, i.e., the dumping of second-hand clothes in developing countries, and recommendations to slow the negative environmental impacts of fast fashion, such as the transition to Circular Economy and the promotion of sustainable fashion.

3. Discussion

Through this systematic review we found that the negative effects of fast fashion on the environment are manifested through carbon emissions, water consumption, and energy footprints, particularly in the use phase of clothing, the saturation of international clothing markets, and an increase in the end-of-life textile waste, the majority of which are dumped in Global South countries, particularly those in Africa, emitting twice as much greenhouse gas as other well-known sources through the Greenhouse gas effect of landfills and the open incineration of damaged clothes [ 7 , 8 ]. We discovered that, in comparison to other stressors on climate change, such as the oil/fossil fuel industry and transportation (air, water, and land), research interest in the effects of fast fashion on global environmental sustainability has increased in the last 5 years (74% of articles published) [ 8 ]. While the term “textile industry” referred to the production of both raw materials such as yarn and finished products such as clothing, the terms “fast fashion industry” and “fashion industry” referred more specifically to issues involving finished garments and articles of clothing ( Figure 1 ).

The environmental impacts of fast fashion.

Today, when environmental issues are at the top of the news, major industry players, such as Zara, H&M, and Primark have played significant roles in increasing the industry’s carbon footprint by accelerating fashion cycles [ 12 ]. Thus, this review revealed, among other things, that the textile industry not only accounts for 8 to 10% of total carbon emissions, but it also accounts for 20% of global wastewater production [ 8 ]. The shortening of fashion cycles creates a constant need for new concepts and designs, as well as the constant need to dispose of “old” items to make room for new ones. Among other things, “sustainability,” “fast fashion,” “textile industry,” “greenhouse gas emissions,” “carbon footprint,” “climate change,” “global warming,” and “waste pollution,” i.e., the dumping of used clothing in developing countries, particularly in Africa, were identified as major emerging topic areas in the literature. As they serve as the foundation for mitigating environmental impacts, concepts relating to sustainability were found to be prevalent in the texts. Elaborated below are some of the most predominant areas of study in this rapidly growing field.

3.1 Energy, water, and carbon footprints

With 1.7 million tons of CO 2 emitted annually, which is 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions, the textile industry is a major contributor to global warming [ 12 , 13 ]. At the European level, clothing is identified as the fourth most ecologically sensitive consumption category, with food, housing, and transport ranking higher in terms of environmental impact [ 12 ]. Currently, there is a notable surge in the demand for clothing, with projections indicating a rise from 62 million tons in 2015 to 102 million tons in 2030 [ 12 , 13 ]. There are many sources of pollution in textile manufacturing; for instance, wastewater can be produced in agricultural cultivation, textile pre-treatment, cleaning of machines after use, as well as wet or laundering processes [ 14 , 15 ]. The fast fashion industry relies on mass production, which requires a lot of resources because of the sheer volume of clothing that must be produced. To produce just one cotton T-shirt, for instance, it takes between 10,000 and 20,000 litres of water, or about 3000 litres of water per kilo of raw cotton [ 3 ]. Consider this in the context of a global industry that sells around 2 billion cotton t-shirts annually. You can begin to comprehend the staggering quantities of water required to sustain this industry.

To say the least, calculating the carbon footprint of fast fashion is daunting. However, we will begin with the production of a single pair of jeans. From the harvesting of the cotton to the production of the jeans to their final delivery to a store, a substantial amount of carbon emissions must be accounted for. The production of a pair of jeans requires approximately 3700 litres of water [ 3 , 5 ]. This results in approximately 33 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions [ 3 ]. And this is only for one pair of jeans; imagine how much water is required for your entire wardrobe. When considered on a global scale, the implications are mind-boggling. Each year, the fashion industry is responsible for: 93 billion cubic metres of water, which is enough to meet the needs of 5 million people; 10% of all carbon emissions, which is more than all international flights and shipping combined; 20% of the world’s wastewater from fabric dyeing and treatment [ 3 , 12 ]. Based on these reviews, there are no indications of a slowdown in the growth rate of fast fashion, meaning that these statistics will almost certainly worsen. Fast fashion emissions are expected to rise by 50% by 2030 [ 8 , 12 ].

With constant new trends and ostensibly affordable prices, the temptation to purchase the newest products can be overwhelming. Albeit how does this affect our carbon footprint? Considering the entire lifecycle of a garment, from production to transportation to disposal in landfills, the fashion industry releases 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions annually [ 12 , 15 ]. Between 2003 and 2018, clothing utilisation decreased by 36%, with a third of young women believing that a garment is considered ‘old’ after being worn once or twice [ 14 , 15 ]. This shift in values has been exacerbated by the use of inexpensive materials in clothing, which reduces their durability and makes them more difficult to repair [ 15 ]. The United Kingdom, for instance, spends an annual average of £59.3 million on clothing and exports £8.2 billion worth of clothing [ 14 , 15 ]. Today, due to the combination of low prices and poor quality, many individuals believe that clothes are disposable. In spite of the fact that 85% of the garments sent to landfills could be recycled, the United Kingdom sends 300,000 tons of clothing to landfills each year due to poor quality, making it the fastest-growing waste economy [ 14 , 16 ].

Not only is the fashion industry’s carbon footprint affected by the amount of waste sent to landfills, but CO 2 emissions during the manufacturing and transportation processes, as well as water pollution from dyeing processes and microfiber pollution, also contribute to the industry’s enormous carbon and environmental footprint, highlighting the industry’s urgent need for change. For instance, some garments may travel the globe multiple times during the manufacturing process, contributing to an increase in air travel-related emissions [ 3 ]. Often, clothing is manufactured in developing nations where pollution regulations are less stringent. Thus, changes such as switching to renewable energy in factories and reducing the use of polyester will have some positive effect on reducing the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. The majority of fashion’s environmental impact stems from the use of raw materials: cotton for the fashion industry, for example, uses approximately 2.5% of the world’s farmland; synthetic materials like polyester require an estimated 342 million barrels of oil annually; and production processes such as dying require 43 million tons of chemicals annually [ 8 , 17 ]. In summary, the production of clothing consumes a significant quantity of natural resources and generates greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. According to one study, the fashion industry could account for 26% of carbon emissions by 2050 if nothing changes [ 14 ]. Even so, to address the environmental impact of fast fashion, both individual and collective measures aimed at modifying the behaviour of these brands are required.

According to one study, the high carbon footprint of the fast fashion industry may be due to the industry’s high energy consumption, which is often influenced by the energy source that is used [ 3 ]. In China, for instance, textile production is dependent on coal-based energy, resulting in a 40% greater carbon footprint than textiles produced in Turkey or Europe [ 3 , 9 ]. High energy requirements and CO 2 emissions are not only associated with textile production processes, but also with textile consumption (mainly laundry) and distribution, especially when air freight is utilised. Nowadays, in addition to fibre type, the method of textile production may also impact energy consumption and environmental effects [ 3 , 8 ]. For instance, conventional cotton cultivation can generate 3.5 times more CO 2 than organic cotton production, which creates twice as much CO 2 in India as organic cotton cultivation in the United States [ 3 , 15 ]. As natural fibres have a smaller carbon footprint than synthetic fibres, it is thought that one effective way to reduce CO 2 emissions related to fibre production would be to replace polyester with natural fibres [ 3 ]. Albeit it is believed that the lower carbon footprint of natural fibres during production is later offset by the higher energy requirements of washing, drying, and ironing compared to synthetics during the usage phase [ 3 , 17 ]. Thus, to lessen the fashion industry’s effect on greenhouse gases, production volumes and non-renewable energy use must be lowered; polyester manufacture should be replaced with renewable plant-based textiles; and sustainable shipping and garment usage must be considered [ 3 , 8 ].

3.2 The impact of low-quality second-hand clothes dumped in developing countries

As a modern business strategy, fast fashion encourages people to view clothing as disposable [ 18 , 19 ]. According to Bick, the average American, for example, discards over 80 pounds of clothes annually, which accounts for approximately 5% of landfill space [ 19 ]. Items that are not immediately transported to landfills often find their way into the second-hand clothing market [ 6 ]. However, owing to their substandard quality, they ultimately end up in landfills, exacerbating the environmental crisis and contributing to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with these sites [ 5 , 6 ]. These days, textile waste presents a considerable environmental challenge on a global scale [ 6 , 16 ]. The current state of affairs, characterised by the extensive production and consumption of fast fashion products, necessitates a worldwide approach to addressing this challenge. This is particularly crucial given that waste management remains one of the most pressing environmental concerns worldwide [ 2 , 5 ]. Throughout history, countries located in the Global North have predominantly addressed the issue of fashion waste by exporting surplus clothing to developing nations, with a particular focus on those situated in Africa [ 1 , 6 ].

Contemporary research indicates, however, that these practices have long since ceased, as the improper disposal of fashion waste in these regions poses a significant ecological risk not only to these societies, but to the global community as a whole. This mismanagement includes the burning of unwanted textiles and the overflowing of landfills, resulting in the emission of greenhouse gases and the contamination of water, particularly from the washing of synthetic materials into our ocean [ 18 , 20 ]. Consequently, it is imperative that we expand upon current industry efforts and fundamentally rethink the way clothes are manufactured, right down to the fibres that are used [ 20 ]. Garments should be designed with durability in mind, ensuring that they do not fall apart at the seams and can be repurposed through recycling even after prolonged use [ 20 , 21 ]. While the marine environment is the ultimate destination for various anthropogenic pollutants, the problem is exacerbated by microfibers released from synthetic clothing and other textile materials [ 22 ]. According to Sunanda, approximately 150 million microfibers are introduced into the Atlantic Ocean on a daily basis due to poor management of textile waste, which includes fibres that are washed away from landfills [ 22 ].

According to one study titled “Come on EU! The massive dumping of discarded clothing in Ghana and Chile must stop”, Western countries are responsible for exporting significant amounts of fashion waste to low-income countries, particularly those in West Africa, and the reason is simple: Western communities overconsume cheap, low-quality clothing, and they dislike the waste [ 23 ]. This practice makes the textile industry and, by extension, fast fashion substantially more polluting than they already are. Made by low-paid workers in China or Bangladesh, consumed in the Global North, rarely worn, and quickly discarded, fashion waste has a number of negative effects on the global environment [ 9 , 24 ]. Nowadays, clothes are purchased in large quantities online, tried on, returned, and then not resold. The synthetic materials used to make these garments, most commonly polyester, make them difficult to recycle [ 3 ]. Globally, an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste are produced annually, with the equivalent of a dump truck’s load of clothing ending up in landfills every second because so little gets recycled [ 23 ].

While people are purchasing more clothing than ever before, and the average consumer today buys 60% more clothing than 15 years ago, and only 12% of these items are recycled on a global scale [ 23 , 24 ]. In the context of clothing consumption, the United Kingdom stands out as the European country with the highest rate of purchases per minute. While the global annual purchase of clothing is estimated to be around 56 million tons, it is projected to rise to 93 million tons by 2030 and 160 million tons by 2050 [ 24 ]. Where does all of this waste end up if only 12% of it is recycled? According to Spijkers, while it has become common practice for Western communities to dump their unwanted clothing in developing nations in an effort to reduce pollution, such practices are merely a relocation of the problem and never a solution, as environmental issues affect all nations equally regardless of their geographic origins [ 25 ]. According to two recent studies, for instance, the Kantamanto market in Accra, Ghana, is currently the largest second-hand clothing market in West Africa [ 1 , 23 ]. Each week, 20 million items of second-hand clothing arrive here; yet 40% are rejected from the market due to their poor quality [ 6 , 26 ]. Unsold clothing is frequently abandoned in sewers and landfills before being washed into the ocean, where it is washed up on beaches by the waves and buried in the sand, in addition to the large quantities that are taken away to destroy marine life and food sources [ 23 ].

Using Ghana as a case study, it is estimated that 10,000 articles of second-hand clothing arrive in Accra, Ghana’s capital, every 5 minutes from the United Kingdom alone [ 1 , 6 ]. However, due to defects and poor quality, a substantial amount is typically consigned to landfills. While this chapter addresses the grave environmental impact of these clothes, traders in the second-hand clothing business in Accra lament the recent decline in their business as more and more of their stock is dumped as waste due to low quality [ 1 , 6 ]. In 2013, the government commissioned a massive landfill in Kpone with a daily capacity of 700 tons in an effort to address this issue. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) was tasked with collecting up to 70 tons of waste (unsold second-hand clothing) every day from the Kantamanto market alone [ 6 ]. The procedure was initiated in 2016, and 4 years later, Kpone was overflowing with textile waste. Due to a lack of funds, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly was unable to continue with this project [ 6 ]. Today, in addition to the massive volumes dumped in landfills and burned in open flames, a significant portion of these garments are routinely dumped in sewers and carried into rivers, ultimately ending up in the ocean, posing a grave threat to the marine ecosystem and significantly contributing to rising sea levels [ 1 , 23 ].

While the focus has always been on the health risks associated with these practices, this chapter focuses on the ecological repercussions of these practices, specifically how they contribute to the issue of climate change and global warming through the Greenhouse gas effects of these sites and the vast amount of CO 2 emitted through open burning. Today, despite the lack of significant progress, countries such as Ghana are seeking international cooperation to prohibit the export of second-hand clothes given its negative environmental effects. Today, the dumping of low-quality second-hand clothing is a major problem not just in West Africa, but also in East African countries such as Tanzania and Kenya [ 27 ]. When consumers donate their used clothes to a charity, a take-back box at a brand’s store, or a recycling station, they often hope that the clothes will be resold or recycled into new garments. Nonetheless, due to damage and poor quality, only a tiny proportion (between 10 and 30 percent) are typically resold in the locations where they are first collected. Consequently, some are downcycled into lower grade materials such as rags, and more than half are exported for resale [ 27 ].

To learn more about what happens to these second-hand clothes, in their study, Greenpeace, an independent international campaigning network dedicated to safeguarding the environment, travelled to Kenya and Tanzania, two of the world’s top five net importers, to speak with traders in the second-hand clothing business to find out more about the fate of these clothes after they are exported [ 27 ]. According to Greenpeace, the Global North has found a way around its textile waste problem by exporting used clothing to countries in the Global South, forcing them to deal with the consequences of fast fashion despite lacking the infrastructure to do so [ 27 ]. As they descended from the Gikomba market to the Nairobi River, the researchers were shocked to discover that they were literally walking on textile waste [ 27 ]. The waste was accumulating along the riverbanks, falling into the water, and flowing downstream to the ocean. According to their observations, the Gikomba market in Nairobi is covered in layers of textile waste. In attempt to address this issue, the locals burn these textiles on open fires, primarily in the evening, causing severe air pollution that affects not only the residents of these communities, but also the entire global community via the massive amounts of CO 2 emissions.

Similar to the situation in Ghana, where 30 to 40% of these second-hand textiles have no market value, 150 to 200 tons of waste (60 to 75 truckloads) are abandoned, burned, or transported daily to Dandora and other overflowing dump sites in Nairobi [ 27 ]. According to Wohlgemuth, the fast fashion industry has reduced clothing to the status of disposable cups [ 27 ]. Thus, slowing down fast fashion is the only option to reduce the flood of textile waste being dumped on the Global South. Global fashion brands must drastically alter their linear business models and begin creating fewer clothes that are higher quality, longer lasting, repairable, and reusable [ 14 , 27 ]. In addition, there must be a shift away from the neo-colonial attitude of Global North countries that use Global South countries as dumping grounds for their unwanted waste, while doing little or nothing to support or develop the clean manufacturing of local textiles, employing the same high standards and best practices required in Europe.

The aforementioned findings demonstrate unequivocally that it is insufficient for global fashion brands to concentrate just on cleaning up their supply chains. The clothing and fashion business must intensify its efforts to reduce the enormous end-of-life consequences of its products. That said, according to Wohlgemuth, the global fashion industry will be unable to rectify its negative environmental impact in the absence of laws [ 27 ]. An evaluation of 29 leading brands, including H&M, Nike, Adidas, G-Star, and Primark, reveals that voluntary commitments are insufficient to slow down the rising volumes of textiles and alter the destructive trajectory of fast fashion, with the majority of impacts being felt in countries of the Global South, where clothes are made and dumped [ 9 ]. Although it is expected that trade policies and regulations will be the most effective solutions for bringing about widespread change in the clothing and fashion industry, consumers, particularly those in high income countries, have a responsibility to support companies and practices that reduce the negative environmental impacts of fast fashion.

3.3 Moving towards a more sustainable fashion industry: alternate business models

Our systematic review identified a number of tools that could be used to move towards a more sustainable fashion industry, such as a business model in which society moves from a linear economy, based on the concept of take–make–dispose, to a circular economy that aims to retain all resources or products in the system for as long as possible to reduce end-of-life textile waste [ 8 ]. The circular model optimises the process of reducing waste by maximising resource reuse or producing new resources from waste materials [ 7 , 13 ]. Among other things, the product service system has been suggested as a prospective business model aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the clothing and fashion industry [ 27 ]. In the sharing economy, we see product-service systems as forms of co-consumption. Within this framework, consumers are able to pay for the services rendered by a product without the need to own the product. This proposed system has the potential to reduce resource consumption, specifically water, by improving the quality and durability of clothing. Additionally, it advocates for the adoption of practices such as lending, renting, redesigning, and upgrading to minimise the number of individually owned items. Nevertheless, the question of whether or not this is feasible in terms of clothing warrants further investigation [ 28 , 29 ].

Ethical fashion, Ecofashion, and sustainable fashion all aim to reduce the negative environmental impact of fast fashion models [ 28 , 29 ]. Ecofashion is based on designing garments that are better for society and the environment, ethical fashion is based on fair trade and environmental standards, and sustainable fashion focuses on tailoring the clothing life cycle to align with the ideas of sustainable development, taking into account design, material, production conditions, and the consumer [ 8 ,  30 ]. Jacometti provides a summary of the current measures taken by the European Union to create more sustainable practices in the fashion industry by transitioning from a linear to a circular economy [ 31 ]. Throughout the literature, numerous studies have emphasised the significance of changes in consumer behaviour that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the clothing and fashion industry [ 8 , 32 ]. As the negative environmental impacts of the fashion industry extend beyond the production stage, the utilisation phase of garments is a significant contributor to environmental degradation [ 8 , 33 ]. This can be seen in the transportation of clothing to retail outlets as well as the subsequent usage phase [ 16 , 34 ]. As the weekly laundry of a single household could potentially discharge thousands of microfibers, using machines with high efficiency ratings, lower washing temperatures, air drying, using front loading, and full load machines can reduce the energy and carbon footprints of the global apparel industry [ 30 , 35 ].

4. Conclusion

As discussions of global warming and the resulting issue of climate change have grown in popularity in recent years, this chapter aims to identify fast fashion as a growing threat to the current state of affairs, focusing on how fast fashion contributes to greenhouse gas emissions from the cultivation of raw fibres to the recycling of second-hand clothing, especially the vast quantities dumped in developing countries. Ultimately, the chapter reveals that the rise in fast fashion consumption is influenced by a variety of socio-cultural and economic issues. Consequently, it is crucial to consider not only the environmental impact associated with the production of clothing, but also the reliance on fast fashion, a business model that produces affordable yet fashionable garments that are cheaply produced and quickly abandoned in favour of new trends.

According to the available sources, clothing accounts for between 8 to 10% of total carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater, a figure that exceeds the combined emissions of aviation and shipping. In addition to the predicted 50 percent increase in the industry’s carbon footprint by 2030, the industry emits 1.2 billion tons of CO 2 annually. Thus, the study highlights the emergence of a new field aimed at bridging the gap between fast fashion, the textile industry, and their environmental impact. That is, in addition to addressing the carbon and water footprints of the global apparel industry, this field seeks to investigate its contribution to climate change and global warming.

We discovered, among other things, that fast fashion’s energy and water use, as well as its carbon footprint, contribute significantly to today’s environmental issues, notably climate change; however, studies have frequently treated these topics in a broad manner, leaving room for additional study. Thus, we identified “fast fashion,” “sustainability,” “textile industry,” “carbon footprint,” and “water footprint” as the five major emerging themes that the literature could explore in greater depth. In addition, to assist the fashion industry in becoming more sustainable and in line with the principles of the circular economy, it is recommended that additional research be conducted on the evaluation of the textile industry’s carbon and water footprints, recycling initiatives, and methodologies. That is, to influence the future of the global apparel industry, we recommend that consumers reevaluate their purchasing habits in favour of more sustainable options. This has the potential to incentivise manufacturers to implement environmentally friendly production methods and conform to more stringent regulations concerning the handling of post-consumer waste, particularly that of clothing or textiles.

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How and why you should reduce your fashion footprint

From textile production to the transport of garments to the disposal of clothes, the fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of pollution and waste .

It’s a global problem that is getting worse, but here’s the thing – it only exists because there is demand for it. At the end of the supply chain lies the consumer, and if they cut down on their demand, that would filter back up the chain, creating less waste.

If everyone reduced their fashion footprint, we would see greater change at a more rapid pace than if we wait on large corporations to do something about it instead.

What is a fashion footprint?

When you buy a garment in the shop or order one online, it comes with a price. Not a financial price to you, but an environmental price to the planet.

From the chemicals used to make the dye for your nice purple T-shirt, to the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere in transporting it to you, it all adds up. This environmental impact is known as your fashion footprint, and it’s something we all need to reduce.

On top of the damage to the planet, the apparel industry also impacts labour practices and exploitation in developing countries, which is considered part of the ethical footprint.

The goal of reducing a fashion footprint is to minimise the fashion industry’s negative environmental and social impact.

5 ways to reduce your fashion footprint

It may seem obvious, but this is the simplest and easiest way to reduce your fashion footprint.

Less demand means less production, resulting in less damage to the environment. Of course, it’s easier said than done, especially when it comes to payday, but instead of buying for retail therapy, ask yourself, “Do I really need a new jacket?”

The answer is almost certainly no.

As Lisa Williams, Patagonia’s Chief Product Officer, said: “The most environmentally sustainable jacket is the one that’s already in your closet.”

Choose eco-friendly materials

If you really do need a jacket, look for one made from low-impact fabrics and materials. What your garment is made of disproportionately contributes to your fashion footprint.

Natural and organic fabrics like cotton, hemp, linen, and jute have little effect on society or the environment, but some of them do need a lot of water to be produced particularly cotton.

Another option is to use sustainable synthetic materials such as recycled nylon, polyester, lyocell, and biobased polymers; nevertheless, some of these materials contribute to the global plastic pollution problem.

Buy from sustainable brands

Sustainability is big on the radar of many companies, so it’s not difficult to find one that actually does try to help rather than simply greenwashing their brand .

American retailer Patagonia is an excellent example of a brand that genuinely cares about the environment.

Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard recently announced he had given his Billion-dollar company away to a charitable trust with the aim of improving sustainability.

From now on, yearly profits from the brand will be distributed as a dividend to help fight climate change.

Patagonia is just one example of environmentally conscious brands out there you can choose from to help lower your footprint.

Buy second-hand

One of the easiest ways to reduce your fashion footprint is to buy second-hand clothing.

Shopping at thrift stores, online marketplaces like eBay, or using apps like Vinted is a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting the circular economy.

Not only are you giving clothes a second life, but you’re also saving them from ending up in a landfill.

And if you’re not buying new clothes, that also decreases the demand, and therefore production, of apparel in places like Bangladesh and China.

Buy clothes that will last

We’ve talked many times about Fast Fashion and the damage it’s doing to the planet.

Cheap, fast-fashion garments are often made from low-quality materials that wear out quickly and need to be replaced frequently. By investing in clothes that are made to last, you can reduce the number of garments you need to buy over time.

Clothing made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, or linen is always a better choice. These materials are grown without the use of toxic pesticides, and they are biodegradable and compostable.

We understand the reason fast fashion clothes are so popular is that they are cheap, but spending that little more in the first place will save money in the long term, not to mention the planet.

We can help with your sustainability goals

If you would like to lower your fashion footprint as a business, then we can help.

We take sustainability very seriously and do everything we can to help our clients reduce their environmental impact.

Commitment to sustainability shouldn’t just be buzzwords and vague slogans, which is why we are 100% committed to renewable, ethical, and eco-friendly practices.

Big changes are coming in the apparel and fashion industry, and with our help, you can ride the wave, coming out stronger than ever.

We have experience, contacts and resources at every stage of the production chain, from the ethical treatment of workers to packaging materials. Every stage can be made more sustainable in some way.

Contact us today if you would like to know more about how we can help you reduce your fashion footprint.

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Fashion for the Earth

What is sustainable fashion.

Fast fashion has completely revolutionized the apparel industry, but not for the better. Behind every piece of clothing in a store, there is an industry stripping the Earth of its limited resources and exploiting the labor force that works in its garment factories. Tremendous waste characterizes this industry as it depletes healthy soil, contaminates fresh water sources, pollutes the air we breathe, defiles our oceans, destroys forests and damages eco-systems and the health of their biodiversity. 

Sustainable fashion refers to a clothing supply chain that is ecologically and socially responsible. It aims to reorient the industry and consumers away from the fast fashion model and toward sustainable practices in sourcing, production, distribution, marketing, and consumption. 

GET THE FACTS

• The fashion industry produces 100 billion garments a year and 87% ( 40 million tons ) end up in a landfill  where they smolder and pollute the air  or an incinerator.
• Only  1% of all discarded clothing is actually recycled .   
• The average person today buys 60 percent more items of clothing than they did 15 years ago, but keep them for  only half as long . The average garment may be worn as few as  ten times before disposal .
• The apparel industry is responsible for  4% of greenhouse gas emissions  – the same as the countries of Germany, France and the U.K. combined.  Unchecked, fashion production would account for  26% of all carbon emissions  by 2050.
• Fashion is one of the most polluting of all industries. Clothing is manufactured with  highly toxic dyes and heavy metals  that are flushed into clean water streams, rivers and aquifers where they sicken people and animals, harm ecosystems, and cause  biodiversity loss .
• The industry razes  150 million trees  for  cellulosic fabrics .  Cattle grazing has contributed to  deforestation in the Amazon  and the leather produced from that region has been traced to global fashion brands’ shoes and bags.
• Non-organic cotton farming  heavily depletes  and degrades soil. It is  one of the world’s most pesticide intensive crops . These affect the health of farmers and populations nearby. The toxic farm runoff contaminates fresh waters, wetlands and aquifers and threatens biodiversity and eco-systems.
• 69% of all clothing is made partially or entirely of synthetic fibers  such as polyester which is a crude oil derivative. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource with  significant negative impacts on the earth .
• Up to 40% of fashion’s carbon emissions are from the production of polyester and polyester production is expected  to grow by 47%  over the next 10 years. 
• Washing our synthetic clothing accounts for  35% of all microplastics in the ocean  making them the largest source of microplastic pollution in the world’s oceans. Microplastics infiltrate the food chain and, in a  study in the Netherlands  in March 2022, microplastics were found in the blood of 80% of those tested, half of which were PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the plastic material found in clothing.  
• Clothing production has  doubled since 2000  and with a shifting population and consumption patterns, the fast fashion industry is expected to  continue to grow .  By 2030 ,   one estimate suggests  that clothing consumption will grow 63% along with  a rise since 2015  of 2.4 billion people into the global middle class, and a recent report estimated the world is on track to  triple clothing production  by 2050.
• The true cost of fast fashion’s cheap clothing is extracted from the industry’s factory garment workers. Workers are paid  less than the minimum wage  in countries in the global south which does not nearly constitute a “living” wage.  
• In order for true recycling to take place, clothing must be collected, sorted and distributed to recyclers. These systems  are in their infancy . Sorting is still  done by hand .  And while there are innovative technologies that can break down the fabric of used garments to make new clothing, many await business investment to scale their systems to the colossal size necessary. Fully scaled, however, these technologies  could drive 80% circularity  in the fashion industry.  
• Most major industries are highly regulated.  But the fashion industry, one of the largest manufacturing industries on the planet, is  almost entirely   unregulated .  

(credit: https://www.bycurated.com/)

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Consumers have the power to change the trajectory of fast fashion. Here are a few important things you can do: 

• Educate yourself about sustainable clothing.  
• Buy less and shop for quality over quantity.   
• Choose natural materials – organic cotton, linen, or hemp.
• Buy 100% recycled fabrics – 100% recycled polyester, viscose (rayon), etc. 
• Research brands to identify those that are ethical and practice transparency and sustainability. 
• Post a picture of yourself wearing a sustainable garment, explaining its attributes and why you like it. Tag us on social media !
• Choose brands that are manufactured in their own community and connected to the place, people behind them, local economy, and environment. 
• Buy secondhand clothing. 
• Swap clothes with a clothes swap group or start a swap yourself. 
• Learn how to repair your clothes yourself. The longer clothes are kept, the lower their emissions footprint.  

How To Swap For The Earth

How To Sustainably Shop for Your Clothes

How to Care for Your Clothes

How to Create a Capsule Collection

MY PLANET, MY CLOSET

‘My Planet, My Closet’ is a project designed to create a dialogue around sustainable fashion and change the prevailing mindset around shopping. ‘My Planet, My Closet’ is a play on the typical fast fashion hauls circulating on social media — but with a twist.

EARTHDAY.ORG invites you to inspire others by sending us a video about  your sustainable clothing  that we will showcase across our platforms. Read below how to answer our collective call to action!

Find Some Inspiration

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LATEST NEWS ABOUT SUSTAINABLE FASHON

Fashion’s dirty little secret, girl math: breaking down price per wear, 7 must-see sustainable black designers redefining fashion, unraveling the impact of thrifting, the devil wears polyester , fracking to fashion: how does oil become fabric, fast fashion and its devastating impacts on forests revealed, exposing a fast fashion wolf in shapewear’s clothing, fast fashion: our generation’s nuclear bomb, end plastics, on wednesdays we wear plastics, toxic textiles: the chemicals in our clothing, a critical lens on shein’s extended producer responsibility fund: fast fashion greenwashing, dressed for success: sustainable fashion innovations making an impact, fast fashion: why governments need to take action, fast fashion is out of fashion, artists for the earth, driven to shop: the psychology of fast fashion, a closer look into the material drivers of the clothing industry, how the fashion act hopes to change the fashion industry for good.

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4 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Fashion Footprint

Change is hard. there’s no getting around it: we’re creatures of habit, lovers of our morning coffee, our everyday rituals. and yet, paradoxically, we also love new — the newest binge-worthy show, the latest food trend, the most recent iteration of the sock boot. we’re constantly on the hunt for something we’ve never seen, tasted or bought before. we are creatures living in constant flux. on second thought, change might not be so hard after all., as inspiring and creative as the fashion industry is, every day it consumes our resources, pollutes our planet and tampers with our ethical standards at an alarming rate. and while the global scale of fashion can seem daunting, there’s still time to change the way we interact with the clothing we wear and the shoes we can’t help but covet. by starting small, we can start to think big. and with earth day right around the corner, we’re here to help you not just become more conscious about your clothes, but to act on it. read on for four simple ways you can start to reduce your fashion footprint and enact long-lasting, sustainable change., 1. opt for high-quality pieces over fast fashion alternatives, in the resale and retail markets..

On average, we buy 60% more clothing now than we did in the year 2000, yet we hold onto these garments for half as long. Globally, this equates to a 400% increase in clothing consumption over the last two decades.

For elizabeth cline, who penned overdressed: the shockingly high cost of cheap fashion , a purchase of seven identical $7 flats at kmart led her to question her habits, sleuth out the inner workings of the fashion industry and, ultimately, become a conscientious shopper. though cline admits in her book that abandoning fast fashion felt “forced” at first, she also notes that the merits of delayed gratification and shopping with sustainability in mind are manifold., while luxury may literally come at a high price, it doesn’t have to. commit to buying less, and invest in the craftsmanship and high-quality materials that heritage and luxury brands are valued for. you’ll extend the life of your items, eliminating the need to constantly replace fast fashion pieces. plus, you’ll have the potential to get return-on-investment if you decide to sell coveted pieces. and w hen you shop luxury consignment, you go the extra mile by disrupting the cycle of “buy, use, dispose, repeat.” approximately 2.5 billion pounds of textiles are saved from landfills via resale… if we keep this in mind when tempted by an incredibly low price tag, how much more could we save, 2. choose sustainable brands that are truly committed to the cause., as the documentary the true cost  reveals ,  the human and environmental cost of fashion is at an all-time high, from needlessly fast-paced production to unfair working conditions. the fashion industry is the second-most pollutive industry in the world , second only to oil, and it still contributes more to the world’s total carbon footprint than air travel, a staggering 10% to the aviation industry’s 2% . plus, every single stage of the production process creates waste. the takeaway here staying informed about the materials and production methods of a brand matters., gabriela hearst , for example, addresses the global fashion crisis by sourcing unused textiles, enlisting multigenerational family-owned businesses to craft her leather goods and eliminating all plastic from her packaging. “when quantity starts to surpass quality, we all lose,” she stated in an interview with the cut ., stella mccartney leads the pack with her leather, skin, feather and fur-free ethos, sustainably managed sources and socially responsible production methods. the brand’s supply chain is completely transparent and traceable, toxic chemicals commonly used in most production methods are avoided and garment workers are paid fairly and treated with dignity. in essence, what seems like the bare minimum for a fashion brand in the 21st century., so how can you make sure you’re shopping ethically minded designers spend five minutes googling the history and ethos of a brand. new blockchain technology  will make this pursuit effortless by enabling unalterable documentation of transactions and services rendered, keeping companies accountable and upfront about organic and fair trade certifications, and allowing everyone along the supply chain to communicate with the brand., 3. hold onto those investment pieces & care for them sustainably., on hectic mornings when you can’t seem to find anything to wear, you might feel inspired to pick up a whole new set of outfits the same day. but this mindset leads to the startling statistic that 40% of the clothes we purchase are infrequently (or never) worn . for americans in particular, 3.6 billion clothes — 57 items per person — lie in wait, never to be worn as even more nylon tops, polyester skirts and acrylic sweaters accumulate in our closets and drawers., in this instance, the phrase “less is more” offers some serious wisdom. if you invest in high-quality pieces and extend their use from one year to two, it can reduce fashion-related emissions over the year by 24% (and provide you with a multitude of opportunities to get creative with styling). plus, how you care for your garment can ultimately reduce an individual piece’s environmental impact. enjoy your items for as long as possible with sustainable cleaning methods , and by taking them straight to the experts. (seeking luxury care and repair services in new york our soho store’s got you covered.), 4. consign what you no longer love, and donate the rest., once you fall out of love with that hermès handbag you inherited, that chic céline dress you wore once or those balenciaga knife boots you splurged on but never found the occasion to wear, it’s time to move on. give your luxury items a new home by consigning them , and feel good about the fact that one more item has been saved from the landfill., is the item in question from a label not on our designer list don’t head to the trash can just yet. according to greenpeace , nearly 95% of the clothes we throw away have the potential to be re-worn, recycled or re-used in some way. donate pieces that are still wearable, and allow someone else to see the beauty in and take advantage of what you can no longer use., embrace the sustainable fashion lifestyle — start consigning and shopping now., add to cart asap.

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How to Reduce Your Fashion Footprint

Fashion is a fun way to express your unique style and self, and the fashion industry is constantly keeping up with demand for new styles and more. But with landfills being filled with textile waste and the fashion industry producing billions of tons of GHG emissions annually, a more sustainable approach to fashion from the individual to global scale can have a significant impact on our environment and world. Everybody has a carbon footprint, which is the amount of greenhouse gases that we contribute as an individual and luckily there are actions we can take to reduce our carbon footprint.

Here are a few ways you can still love and enjoy fashion, but also reduce your fashion carbon footprint:

Choose quality over quantity

While fast fashion can be tempting, these pieces often do not last long and end up in landfill after only some uses. Instead of choosing to have multiple different tops from a fast fashion brand, opt for quality over quantity and choose pieces that you know you’ll love and feel great in for years to come!

Look for sustainable materials

There are all sorts of materials out there nowadays, and luckily there are also sustainable materials. For example, there are certified organic fabrics and vegan leather that make beautiful pieces have an extra sustainable boost. An organic cotton top, for example, will feel great on your skin and is better for the earth. More and more stores are now offering leather alternatives, for example on the online store Mirta you can find some beautiful vegan leather bags that not only are sustainable, but they are also artisanal and of incredible quality.

  Buy from conscious brands

With so many different brands in the fashion world, with a little bit of digging you can find conscious brands that align with your style and your conscious effort to shop more sustainably. Many brands try to speak to being ‘sustainable’, so do your research and learn about the actual carbon footprint of the brand.

  Hit the thrift stores

Thrift stores are a way you can reduce your fashion carbon footprint and save some significant money on great fashion purchases! People are constantly dropping off their items off at thrift stores and you can find absolute gems here, while also knowing that buying second-hand is better for the environment. This extends the life of items and reduces the turnover of pieces in their journey to landfill.

  Donate or sell what you don’t wear

When you consider your wardrobe, be realistic about what you do and what you do not wear. This helps to be excited about what is in your closet, and it also gives you the opportunity to donate or sell what you don’t wear so that someone else can love those pieces!

Once we have items we love in our wardrobes, another thing to consider is the footprint that caring for our clothes produces, like washing and using a dryer. You can be more sustainable in the care for your items by using high-efficiency washers, air drying your items, and mending and upkeeping your items so they stay in better shape.

10 Ways to reduce your carbon footprint

The great environmental cost of the shoe industry

Fashion as a Tool for Social Change: What’s the Difference between Ethical and Sustainable Fashion

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Reduce Your Fashion Footprint

© Guerra de la Paz

Textile production consumes large amounts of water and energy and often utilizes toxic chemicals that pollute the environment. The disposal of unwanted textiles also adversely affects the environment. You can make sustainable choices to reduce the impact of your wardrobe.

Reduce your fashion footprint with these 10 tips .

Learn to shop ethically with these 10 tips .

Pick up a copy of Dress (with) Sense , a sustainable fashion guide from Redress.

Tips on supporting sustainable fashion .

Guide to your sustainable wardrobe .

To reduce the impact of your fashion choices, consider buying second-hand, buying retail brands that produce textiles in a sustainable way, extending the life of textiles through proper care and repair, using textiles for their full useful life, and donating or recycling unwanted textiles.

For unwanted garments and textiles, follow these tips from Earth911 , and find a location to donate or recycle using their Recycling Locator tool. This blog and this guide provide helpful resources and ideas for selling, donating, and recycling old clothing. There are a number of for-profit organizations that maintain clothing collection bins in cities throughout the world and provide bin locations on their websites. If you want your usable clothing donations to go to the needy, you should stick with a traditional nonprofit organization, such as Goodwill .

Is the brand you are considering sustainable?  Get information about the sustainability of your fashion choices with this app and GoodGuide .

Reduce your fashion footprint by buying and selling second-hand clothing with these apps .

• June 21, 2015

Fast Fashion and Sustainability Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Footprint

Shifts in public opinion and growing role of csr, governmental effort and its relevance, interventions needed, barriers to implementation and steps to undertake.

Finding a balance between development and sustainability has been an objective many people find difficult to attain. The use of resources has been intensifying annually due to the increasing population and people’s growing demand. The fashion industry is now seen as one of the most vivid illustrations of unreasonable use of resources (Bick, Halsey and Ekenga, 2018). Fast fashion can be referred to as “a business model based on offering consumers frequent novelty in the form of low-priced, trend-led products” (Niinimäki et al., 2020, p. 189). On the one hand, this model has enabled millions of people to access more clothes that are more affordable. On the other hand, adverse environmental and social impact has been substantial as well. Due to the shift towards more sustainable business practices, the fast fashion industry is also undergoing certain changes. This paper includes a brief analysis of the ways to address consumers’ fashion-related needs and reduce the negative environmental impact of the fast industry.

To some people, the fashion industry may seem rather irrelevant compared to such traditional giants as the oil industry, but the former has a considerable share in the global market. It has been estimated that the value of the world’s fashion industry is approximately 3,000 billion dollars, which is over 2% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Shirvanimoghaddam et al., 2020). The consumption of textile goods has almost doubled during the past two decades and reached 13kg per individual or 100 million tons annually (see Figure 1).

Such significant growth comes at a price that is mainly associated with a tremendous effect on the environment (see Figure 2). For instance, Shirvanimoghaddam et al. (2020) stress that only 15% of the wastes are recycled. It is noteworthy that developing countries are more vulnerable since a considerable portion of the used textile is a part of the second-hand clothing trade (Bick, Halsey and Ekenga, 2018). For example, over 500,000 tons of used textile goods are exported from the USA (Bick, Halsey and Ekenga, 2018).

Recycling mainly occurs in western countries, which makes the environmental burden of developing countries more pronounced (see Figure 2). In addition to the contamination of vast territories used as landfills, fast fashion wastes often penetrate into diverse ecosystems due to inadequate waste management (Mehta, 2019). Textiles produced of low-quality components contaminate the ocean and suburban areas. Since a considerable part of production facilities is located in developing countries, these areas are affected most. The governments of these countries tend to place a lower value on ecological problems, which leads to undesirable effects.

In addition to the environmental impact, the fast fashion industry is closely linked to the consumerism culture that is still prevalent in the world (Niinimäki et al., 2020). According to the social practice theory that is a social theory focusing on the human society and its peculiarities, things are seen as an indispensable part of human existence (Reckwitz, 2002). Things have become something more than objects used to satisfy individuals’ needs. People see things as “objects of the knowing subject” and “constitutive elements of forms of behaviour” (Reckwitz, 2002, p. 253). In simple terms, things have an influence on people’s behavior, and fast fashion can illustrate this process. Many people find it critical to wear fashionable things to be a part of a group (sub-culture) or express themselves (Barnes and Lea-Greenwood, 2018). Others want to buy new things for the sake of acquiring a new thing or in the course of socializing (Afaneh, 2020). Fast fashion offers numerous ways to satisfy people’s needs and make them feel members of a larger community.

E-commerce has contributed to the growth of unsustainable behaviors as purchasing has become even easier and more affordable (Niinimäki et al., 2020). People are enticed to buy more as they can save more (and buy more) without even leaving their homes. The COVID-19 pandemics contributed to the increase in online sales. Niinimäki et al. (2020) emphasize that this business model is even less environmentally sustainable due to the peculiarities of logistics. Container boat transportation typical of traditional retailing is replaced by air cargo in e-commerce, so the environmental footprint is more significant.

Although the human society is still characterized by the focus on consumerism, people are becoming more responsible. Consumers start being more environmentally conscious and try to reduce their negative influence on the environment (Javed et al., 2020). The rise of the corporate social responsibility approach can be seen as companies’ response to this trend. Manufacturers try to develop sustainable ways to produce goods, reduce natural resources consumption, and introduce recycling incentives. C&A is one of the leaders in adopting sustainable practices in the industry (see Figure 3). The third of the garments the company sells can be referred to as eco-friendly goods ( Sustainable fashion , 2020). The retailer claims that they focus on the production of garments of recyclable cotton and try to adopt a holistic approach to the production process in order to ensure the reduction of CO2 emissions and proper waste management (C&A, n.d.).

H&M initiated several projects aimed at reducing its wastes. In addition to second-hand sales and the promotion of more durable fashion, H&M developed the concept of recyclable jeans (Mehta, 2019). The company utilizes natural components to produce jeans and accessories that are easily recyclable. Another fast fashion leader in the global market, GAP, has also expressed its intention to move to a circular industry (Mehta, 2019). The two large textile producers show their commitment to sustainable practices, which resonates with the overall attitudes to the matter in different countries.

It is necessary to add that, along with companies’ willingness to build positive images and adopt CSR strategies, regulations imposed by national governments and international institutions encourage businesses to employ sustainable approaches. These efforts are instrumental in setting the minimum level of CSR activities necessary to improve environmental sustainability and offering directions to move for further development (Mehta, 2019). The primary areas covered within the scope of these efforts include CO2 emissions reduction, recycling, waste management, and resource consumption.

Some of these initiatives include the provision of financial support and tax reduction to high-achievers in dropping the levels of CO2 emissions (Niinimäki et al., 2020). The EU government is introducing diverse regulations concerning waste management, forcing and encouraging companies to recycle instead of bringing their wastes to landfills (Wang et al., 2020). It is important to note that European countries display different approaches and commitment to environmental sustainability. Such countries as Germany, Norway, and Finland have progressed considerably, while less wealthy states lag behind. Trade policies established by the USA are aimed at ensuring global equity (Bick, Halsey and Ekenga, 2018). Such regulations impose restrictions related to importing and exporting used textiles. Companies are encouraged or directly forced to donate to the projects aimed at the development of recyclable industry and similar initiatives (Mehta, 2019).

Further steps in the areas mentioned above are necessary for the minimization of the negative effect of the fast fashion industry. The standards existing in the western world are quite appropriate and under proper review each year (Bick, Halsey and Ekenga, 2018; Mehta, 2019; Wang et al., 2020). In addition to various strict regulations regarding CO2 emissions and waste management, the UK government, for instance, has the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan for fast-fashion companies to follow (Abdulla, 2019). This voluntary plan of action encourages companies to join in and suggest their strategies to comply with the existing and upcoming standards. Numerous retailers and fashion industry leaders tend to join the initiative, which positively affects their overall image and gives an opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable practices for the entire industry.

The UAE can become a major advocate of sustainable practices for the development of the region. The country posed a number of KPIs to be reached by 2021 regarding waste management, emission reduction, and other environmental aspects. Some of the 2021 environmental targets include the improvement of the portion of treated waste of total waste generated ( Environment and government agenda , 2020). It also aims at reducing the consumption of non-sustainable energy, as well as decreasing CO2 emissions. However, there are no specific restrictions on the fashion industry. Moreover, the policies tend to be confined to the exact practices of companies without paying sufficient attention to the activities of their partners, which has become a norm in the EU countries.

The introduction of new restrictions rather problematic as businesses oppose such laws and try to shape the politicians’ agenda in different ways. Many laws and norms are regarded as unnecessary and harmful restrictions imposed by irresponsible politicians trying to win votes (Abdullah, 2019). Educating the public about potential hazards and possible ways to mitigate the negative consequences can be instrumental in achieving the consensus in the society (Afaneh, 2020).

The provision of direct financial support can also become an effective strategy governments can utilize to make the fast fashion industry more circular. Small and medium-sized companies are facing significant issues related to the COVID-19 pandemics (Brydges and Hanlon, 2020). The situation related to the pandemics can serve as the basis for the promotional campaigns popularizing sustainability. It is possible to emphasize that humans are vulnerable to numerous global challenges, while sustainable practices are key to the successful development of the society.

Large retailers and manufacturers tend to set new standards and norms accepted by consumers. For example, H&M, in collaboration with other fast fashion companies, has launched initiatives aimed at the reduction of their environmental impact (Javed et al., 2020; Mehta, 2019). Such incentives should obtain governmental support that can be manifested in financial or educational aspects. American officials can also promote such initiatives through international platforms such as the World Trade Organization or other institutions.

Although the benefits of such efforts can hardly be overestimated, governments can be reluctant to be involved in such incentives. As mentioned above, financial constraints countries have to face make environmental issues seem less relevant and urgent. Activists should ensure that the most urgent ecological topics are discussed in the society, which will make countries address them. Consumers can also become less concentrated on environmental issues due to their financial issues (Afaneh, 2020).

Activists and governments should pay much attention to raising people’s awareness of the economic burden of less sustainable practices in the long run. Social media have been utilized effectively to discuss numerous issues and encourage people to take a particular action. Such incentives as H&M’s online second-hand platform and such products as recyclable jeans should receive high publicity facilitated by the governmental support (Mehta, 2019). Being sustainable should be synonymous with being competitive, and governments can help businesses see the exact paths to achieve competitive advantages based on environmental aspects.

On balance, societies are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues and willing to adhere to sustainable practices. Durability and recyclability are seen as more relevant in the modern societies. Governments try to develop regulations and standards, facilitating the changes and shifts towards environmentally friendly behaviors. Although these trends are more pronounced in developed countries, developing states are also integrated into the process of this transformation. However, numerous barriers to the implementation of projects aimed at establishing sustainable norms are apparent. Global financial issues can be regarded as major reasons for the slowdown in changes. Nevertheless, governments, companies, activists, and the public should remain in close contact in their effort to create a more sustainable fast fashion industry. Numerous incentives launched in different countries and regions show that governments can contribute to a gradual shift towards sustainable industries.

Abdullah, H. (2019) ‘UK government outlines steps to fix fast fashion’, Just-Style . Web.

Afaneh, S. (2020) ‘I can’t quit fast fashion as a student, but I can change how I shop’ , Lifestyle . Web.

Barnes, L. and Lea-Greenwood, G. (2018) ‘Pre-loved? Analysing the Dubai luxe resale market’, in Ryding, D., Henninger, C. E. and Cano, M. B. (eds.) Vintage luxury fashion: exploring the rise of the secondhand clothing trade . London: England, pp. 63–78.

Bick, R., Halsey, E. and Ekenga, C. (2018) ‘The global environmental injustice of fast fashion’, Environmental Health , 17(1), pp. 92-95.

Brydges, T. and Hanlon, M. (2020) ‘Garment worker rights and the fashion industry’s response to COVID-19’, Dialogues in Human Geography , 10(2), pp. 195-198.

C&A (n.d.) ‘Our vision: making sustainable fashion the new normal’ . Web.

Environment and government agenda (2020). Web.

Javed, T., Yang, J., Gul Gilal, W. and Gul Gilal, N. (2020) ‘The sustainability claims’ impact on the consumer’s green perception and behavioral intention: a case study of H&M’, Advances in Management & Applied Economics , 10(2), pp. 1-22.

Mehta, A. (2019) ‘ Beyond recycling: putting the brakes on fast fashion ’ , Reuters Events . Web.

Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T. and Gwilt, A. (2020) ‘The environmental price of fast fashion’, Nature Reviews Earth & Environment , 1(4), pp. 189-200.

Reckwitz, A. (2002) ‘Toward a theory of social practices: A development in culturalist theorizing’, European Journal of Social Theory , 5(2), pp. 243-263.

Remy, N., Speelman, E. and Swartz, S. (2016) ‘ Style that’s sustainable: a new fast-fashion formula ’ , McKinsey & Company . Web.

Shirvanimoghaddam, K., Motamed, B., Ramakrishna, S. and Naebe, M. (2020) ‘Death by waste: fashion and textile circular economy case’, Science of the Total Environment , 718, pp. 1-10.

Sustainable fashion: how are the leaders in fast fashion doing? (2020). Web.

Wang, D., Tang, Y. T., Long, G., Higgitt, D., He, J. and Robinson, D. (2020) ‘Future improvements on performance of an EU landfill directive driven municipal solid waste management for a city in England’, Waste Management , 102, pp. 452-463.

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IvyPanda. (2022, February 25). Fast Fashion and Sustainability. https://ivypanda.com/essays/fast-fashion-and-sustainability/

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The environmental footprint of fashion. Key impacts to measure

Fashion continues to have a huge negative impact on the planet, discover what are the indicators that can improve the environmental footprint of your brand.

Gema Terol Bernal, BCome Content Manager

When it comes to talking about fashion and environmental impact, there is a statement that is frequently repeated in the media: fashion is the second most polluting industry on the planet. However, this statement is inaccurate since there is no study that confirms the position of fashion in the ranking of the most polluting industries. A fact that, on the other hand, doesn’t prevent us from recognizing the consequences that the textile sector has caused on the planet. Moving towards systemic change requires defining the key impacts to be measured in order to quantify the environmental footprint of fashion brands like yours.

The linear production model based on “take-make-dispose” has caused the depletion of natural resources, contributing to deforestation, uncontrolled carbon emissions, droughts, floods, global warming and a high generation of waste. While governments define action plans and legislative measures to reduce the environmental impact of the industry, it’s worth asking, what has happened to set off the alarms now? Just take a look at the figures that demand a paradigm shift in the way textiles are produced, consumed and discarded.

Water scarcity

The fashion industry consumes excessive amounts of water worldwide. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation , it is estimated that the textile sector currently uses around 93 billion cubic meters of water per year, which represents 4% percent of all freshwater extraction worldwide. A consumption that, according to current trends, could double in 2030, as we already pointed out in our article on why the sustainable transformation of fashion is so necessary .

The fashion industry uses around 93 billion cubic meters of water per year, which represents 4% percent of all freshwater extraction worldwide

The fashion industry relies on water throughout the whole production process. For the manufacture of a single cotton shirt, the most common natural fiber, approximately 2.500 liters of water are required according to the Water Footprint Network . A great example of its voracity is the disappearance of the Aral Sea in Central Asia, which has been reduced to 10% of its previous volume largely due to irrigation for cotton crops.

Using fibers from organic farming can make a big difference in the water footprint of fashion. As well as reducing or eliminating water from the dyeing process to eradicate pollutants that end up in local water systems.

To discover the water footprint of your fashion brand’s collections, BCome analyzes the following impact throughout its life cycle:

• Water scarcity: Deprivation of water to humans and ecosystems due to water consumption in the product value chain.
• Methodology used based on EU recommendation: AWARE methodology
• Impact indicator: m³ water eq*

*The consumption of different types of water in different regions of the world translated into a common unit: m³ water eq. The addition of “eq” refers to the conversion of the original unit into m³.

Global warming

In 2017 it was estimated that if the fashion industry was a country, it would be the sixth emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. The fashion industry represents between 2% and 4% of global emissions. An alarming figure that could increase by around 30% by 2030 if the trend continues, reaching an estimated 2.7 billion tons of CO 2 according to the Fashion on Climate report.

The fashion industry represents between 2% and 4% of global carbon emissions

Most of the fashion supply chain still relies on coal to generate electricity, one of the fossil fuels that contributes the most to climate change.

But the responsibility of the brands doesn’t end with production. Around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced through the use of garments, washing, the use of the dryer, ironing and dry cleaning. It’s essential for brands to communicate that garments are created to last and provide the necessary care instructions. Fashion brands that want to minimize their energy impact need to consider the full life cycle of the product, taking into account its durability.

Investing in carbon offset schemes, as well as committing to the energy efficiency of supply chains, is essential for brands when it comes to reducing their energy impact.

In order to find the carbon emissions generated throughout the life cycle of your products, BCome quantifies the following impact:

• Global warming: Heat absorbed by any greenhouse gas released in the atmosphere from the product value chain.
• Methodology used based on EU recommendation: IPCC 2013 GWP 100
• Impact indicator: kg CO 2 eq*

*The different greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere are translated into a common unit: kg CO 2 . The addition of “eq” refers to the original unit in kg CO 2 .

Eutrophication

In order to transform raw materials into final products, many synthetic chemicals are used in clothing and footwear. These chemicals, in addition to being a health hazard to the people who handle them, also end up polluting freshwater systems.

According to Pesticide Action Network , cotton production uses 4% of all the world’s pesticides and 10% of insecticides. Conventional cotton farming makes heavy use of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers, as well as pesticides and insecticides to protect crops from insects.

Cotton production uses 4% of all the world’s pesticides and 10% of insecticides

A long list of chemicals are also used during dyeing, processing and finishing. Chlorobenzenes, toxic by inhalation or by contact with the skin, are often used to dye polyester. Phthalates are used to dye and soften leather, rubber, and PVC in the manufacture of footwear and accessories. Perfluorinated chemicals, formaldehydes and chlorinated paraffins are used in finishing processes to achieve waterproofing or fire retardant effects.

It’s essential to guarantee wastewater treatment to prevent these synthetic chemicals from polluting rivers and seas. From prioritizing organic farming to finding alternatives in processing and manufacturing, there are multiple ways to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in the fashion industry.

This is the impact that BCome measures to calculate the level of toxic chemicals associated with your products:

• Eutrophication: Accumulation of phosphates and nitrates released by the use of pesticides, fertilizers, detergents and other chemicals in an ecosystem.
• Methodology used CML-IA baseline 2013
• Impact indicator: g phosphates eq*

*The different types of chemicals in water, soil, and air are translated into a common unit: g phosphates eq. The addition of “eq” refers to the conversion of the original unit into kg phosphates.

Abiotic depletion

Fashion relies heavily on non-renewable resources like petroleum for synthetic fabrics and chemicals. The extraction, processing and transportation of these resources contribute to abiotic depletion and environmental degradation. According to Fossil Fuel Fashion , synthetic fibre production uses the equivalent amount of oil per year as the whole of Spain and polyester production produces as much emissions as 180 coal fired power stations a year.

Coal, known for its high pollution levels, is a major energy source in fashion manufacturing hubs such as China, India and Vietnam. Recently, fashion industry leaders have been discreetly urging their suppliers to eliminate coal from factories.

This effort is in line with their commitments under the UN Fashion Charter for Climate Action , where they pledge to stop partnering with new suppliers that rely on coal for fabric dyeing and treatment by 2030.

Synthetic fibre production uses the equivalent amount of oil per year as the whole of Spain

In order to find the depletion of abiotic resources throughout the life cycle of your products, BCome quantifies the following impact:

• Abiotic depletion: Depletion of nonliving (abiotic) resources including oil, natural gas, and coal used as energy carriers.
• Methodology used based on EU recommendation: CML-IA baseline 2013
• Impact indicator: MJ

The legislation planned for the coming years will be key in accelerating change in the fashion industry. The climate crisis has been a turning point for us to recognize the power of the textile sector as part of the solution to a problem to which it has contributed for years. The excesses that have been committed on the environment can still be balanced through knowledge of the real impact that brands like yours are generating on the planet.

At BCome we help you find the answers you need to improve the performance of your products. We measure the environmental, social and circular impact of your collections throughout their life cycle to enable you to make data-driven decisions. Sustainability is at your fingertips, let’s work together and build a responsible, ethical and safe production model for people and the planet .

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Gema Terol Bernal

BCome Content Manager

Sustainable Fashion Writer specialized in digital media with more than 10 years of experience with brands and press.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Human Impact — Fast Fashion

Essays on Fast Fashion

Fast fashion essay topics.

Fast fashion is a multifaceted subject that can be explored from numerous angles. Topics for essays can include the environmental impact of fast fashion, focusing on how the industry's rapid production cycles contribute to pollution and waste. Another compelling topic is the examination of labor practices within fast fashion supply chains, shedding light on the exploitation of workers in developing countries. Essays could also delve into the psychological effects of fast fashion on consumers, exploring how constant trends and social media pressure influence buying behavior. Additionally, comparing the economic benefits of fast fashion to its social and environmental costs can provide a balanced perspective. Lastly, discussing the potential solutions and alternatives to fast fashion, such as sustainable and ethical fashion practices, can offer a forward-looking view on how the industry might evolve to meet the demands of conscientious consumers.

How to Choose Fast Fashion Essay Topics

Choosing a fast fashion essay topic involves several key considerations. First, consider your personal interest and passion for specific aspects of fast fashion, as writing about something you are passionate about will make the research and writing process more engaging. Next, think about the current relevance and public interest in the topic. Topics that are widely discussed in the media or have recent developments can provide a wealth of up-to-date information and a larger audience for your essay. Additionally, assess the availability of credible sources and data to support your arguments. A topic with abundant research materials will allow for a more comprehensive and convincing essay. Lastly, consider the scope of the topic. Ensure it is neither too broad nor too narrow to fit within your essay's word limit, allowing for a thorough exploration without being overwhelming or superficial.

Popular Fast Fashion Argumentative Essay Topics

• Fast fashion's environmental impact: Is it a significant contributor to global pollution?
• Do the economic benefits of fast fashion outweigh its social and ethical costs?
• Is the exploitation of labor in fast fashion supply chains a necessary evil for affordable clothing?
• Does fast fashion promote a culture of wasteful consumerism and disposable clothing?
• Are sustainable fashion practices a viable alternative to the fast fashion model?
• How does fast fashion affect mental health and self-esteem through constant trend changes?
• Should governments regulate the fast fashion industry to enforce environmental and labor standards?
• Is the rise of fast fashion responsible for the decline in traditional fashion craftsmanship?
• Can fast fashion brands genuinely adopt sustainable practices without compromising their business models?
• Does fast fashion play a role in reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes through marketing and product design?

Fast Fashion Thesis Statements

Here are five thesis statements exploring different aspects of fast fashion:

• Fast fashion's emphasis on rapid production and low-cost clothing significantly contributes to environmental degradation, making it a major driver of pollution and waste in the fashion industry.
• The exploitative labor practices in fast fashion supply chains highlight the industry's reliance on cheap labor, often at the expense of workers' rights and fair wages in developing countries.
• Fast fashion's relentless promotion of consumerism fosters a culture of disposable clothing, undermining efforts towards sustainability and responsible consumption.
• The psychological impact of fast fashion on consumers, driven by constant trends and social media influence, perpetuates a cycle of instant gratification and financial strain.
• While fast fashion provides affordable clothing options for consumers, its long-term social and environmental costs call for a shift towards more ethical and sustainable fashion practices.

Prompt Examples for Fast Fashion Essays

The rise of fast fashion.

Discuss the evolution and growth of the fast fashion industry. How has it become a dominant force in the fashion world, and what are the key characteristics of fast fashion brands?

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Analyze the environmental consequences of fast fashion. How does the rapid production and disposal of clothing contribute to issues like pollution, waste, and resource depletion?

Labor Practices and Ethical Concerns

Examine the labor practices and ethical concerns associated with fast fashion production. What are the working conditions for garment workers, and how do issues like sweatshops and exploitation intersect with the industry?

Consumer Culture and Fast Fashion

Discuss the role of consumer culture in driving the fast fashion industry. How do marketing strategies, consumer demand for low prices, and the "buy now, wear once" mentality contribute to its success?

Alternatives to Fast Fashion

Explore alternatives to fast fashion and sustainable fashion practices. What are some initiatives and movements aimed at promoting ethical and eco-friendly clothing choices?

Impact on Local Industries

Analyze how fast fashion affects local and traditional fashion industries. How do smaller businesses and artisans contend with the competition posed by large, fast fashion corporations?

Hook Examples for Fast Fashion Essays

Anecdotal hook.

Picture this: a whirlwind of shopping sprees, constant style changes, and overflowing closets. Fast fashion has transformed the way we consume clothing. Let's delve into this fashion frenzy.

Question Hook

Is fast fashion a blessing or a curse for the fashion industry and the environment? How does it impact our society's perception of clothing and its consequences?

Quotation Hook

"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life." These words from Bill Cunningham highlight the role of fashion in our lives. But does fast fashion offer authentic armor or mere illusion?

Environmental Impact Hook

Behind the glamour of fast fashion lies a trail of environmental destruction. Explore the ecological footprint left by the industry and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives.

Consumer Behavior Hook

Fast fashion isn't just about clothes; it's a reflection of our changing consumer behavior. Analyze how the desire for instant gratification and constant novelty has fueled this phenomenon.

Labor and Ethics Hook

Beneath the fashionable exterior are stories of exploited labor and questionable ethics. Delve into the working conditions and ethical dilemmas associated with fast fashion production.

Alternatives and Solutions Hook

Amid the fast fashion frenzy, alternatives are emerging. Explore innovative approaches to fashion that prioritize sustainability, ethics, and a more mindful approach to dressing.

Fast Fashion's Hidden Costs

Fashion in the 1980s: a decade of boldness and individuality, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

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The Negative Impact of Fast Fashion on The Environment and The Society

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The Ethical Quandaries of Fast Fashion: an Argumentative Examination

How fast fashion manipulates people, analysis of "the true cost" documentary: the consequences of fast fashion, fast fashion and its influence on the industry in the 21st century, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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How Consumerism is Bred in The Fast Fashion World and Fashion Cultures

The detrimental effects of fast fashion on the fashion industry, navigating the fast fashion landscape.

Fast fashion is a term used to describe the contemporary model of clothing production and consumption characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive, trendy garments that are quickly replicated and made available to consumers. It refers to the accelerated speed at which fashion trends are introduced and adopted by the market, resulting in a constant cycle of new styles and collections.

• Speed and Agility: Fast fashion companies like Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 have streamlined their production processes to quickly bring new designs to market. This agility allows them to respond swiftly to changing consumer preferences and fashion trends.
• Cost Efficiency: By outsourcing production to countries with lower labor costs and using less expensive materials, fast fashion brands can keep prices low, making fashionable clothing accessible to a broader audience.
• High Volume and Turnover: The fast fashion model thrives on high sales volumes and frequent turnover of inventory. Stores regularly update their stock with new items, encouraging consumers to purchase more frequently and dispose of old clothing.
• Consumer Demand: Fast fashion capitalizes on the desire for up-to-date styles at affordable prices. The constant influx of new items creates a sense of urgency among consumers to buy before the next collection arrives.
• Environmental and Social Impact: While fast fashion makes trendy clothing affordable, it has significant environmental and social consequences. The industry is known for its excessive use of resources, production of waste, and poor labor practices in garment factories.

Fast fashion emerged in the 1990s to meet the growing demand for affordable, trendy clothing. It leveraged advancements in technology, globalization, and changes in consumer behavior. Key factors included fast production techniques and outsourcing to low-wage countries, enabling rapid and inexpensive garment production. Global supply chains and improvements in transportation and communication facilitated quick responses to consumer trends. Social media and the desire for instant gratification further fueled demand. Although fast fashion made trendy clothing accessible, it also faced criticism for its negative social and environmental impacts.

Zara, H&M, Shein, C&A, Peacocks, ASOS, Forever 21, Uniqlo, Primark, Topshop, Fashion Nova

Fast fashion in the US offers affordable, trendy clothing through numerous well-known brands. Its popularity stems from low-cost, rapidly produced garments. However, this model raises concerns about environmental sustainability and unethical labor practices. Efforts to address these issues include sustainable fashion initiatives promoting eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and consumer awareness to encourage more responsible fashion consumption.

• Affordability
• Trendy Styles
• Variety and Choice
• Economic Impact
• Environmental Impact
• Exploitative Labor Practices
• Disposable Culture
• Lack of Transparency

Fast fashion has garnered significant media attention for its environmental and ethical issues. Documentaries like "The True Cost" (2015) expose exploitative labor conditions and ecological damage. Media outlets, such as The Guardian, highlight these concerns and advocate for sustainable alternatives. Social media influencers and activists also raise awareness, using hashtags like #whomademyclothes and #slowfashion to demand transparency and promote ethical fashion. This widespread coverage emphasizes the need for responsible consumer choices and more sustainable industry practices.

• According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fast fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than the emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined.
• The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that the equivalent of one garbage truck full of textiles is landfilled or burned every second. This amounts to approximately 92 million tons of textile waste generated each year, with the majority coming from fast fashion production and consumption.
• The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide, with estimates suggesting that it takes around 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt.

The topic of fast fashion is crucial because it impacts the environment, labor practices, and consumer behavior globally. Addressing these issues can lead to more sustainable and ethical fashion practices. Understanding fast fashion helps consumers make informed choices and advocates for industry change. Exploring fast fashion essay topics can raise awareness and promote responsible consumption.

1. Cline, E. L. (2012). Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. Penguin. 2. Fletcher, K. (2014). Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. Routledge. 3. Fuad-Luke, A. (2009). Design Activism: Beautiful Strangeness for a Sustainable World. Earthscan. 4. Gwilt, A., & Rissanen, T. (2011). Shaping Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Way We Make and Use Clothes. Earthscan. 5. Hethorn, J., & Ulasewicz, C. (Eds.). (2008). Sustainable Fashion: Why Now?: A Conversation Exploring Issues, Practices, and Possibilities. Fairchild Books. 6. Hess, M., & Slade, E. (Eds.). (2013). Sustainable Fashion: Past, Present, and Future. Bloomsbury Publishing. 7. Seo, J., & Taylor, A. (Eds.). (2020). Sustainable Fashion: Consumer Awareness and Education. Springer. 8. Shaw, D., & Hardie, B. (2017). Fashion Ethics. Routledge. 9. Sinclair, C. (2014). Sustainable Fashion: Past, Present and Future. Berg Publishers. 10. Tungate, M. (2014). Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara. Kogan Page.

Relevant topics

• Deforestation
• Water Pollution
• Ocean Pollution
• Air Pollution
• Climate Change
• Global Warming
• Natural Disasters

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What’s Your Fashion Carbon Footprint?

6 ways to reduce the environmental impact of your clothes

By: Mahrukh Tahir & Sabrina Lerskiatiphanich

Your fashion carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emitted from all of your fashion-related activities—including the design, manufacturing, shipping, buying, wearing, cleaning, and eventual disposal of your clothing.

And it's no longer a secret that one of the worst ways in which humans produce GHG today is with our fashion choices. Fashion is responsible for around 10% of total global emissions alone (this is more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined). 

If the industry continues to grow at its current pace, then its emissions will surge by more than 50% by 2030. This type of pollution can cause irreplaceable damage to local ecosystems and cause global temperatures to rise even more. With the rise of temperatures, we see natural disasters rise, and local economies and health outcomes suffer. 

The entire industry needs re-invention. 

Where You Spend Your Money Matters

To re-invent the fashion industry, every stakeholder—from designers to manufacturers and consumers—needs to get involved. But the power of consumers can't be overstated. Without consumers making a change, every effort by the fashion industry would be in vain. 

In short, that means you must be aware of what you buy and how you use your garments.. and it's a lot easier than you think!

Calculate Your Fashion Carbon Footprint

The best way to start changing a habit is to understand it. Find out how much you personally contribute to carbon waste by calculating your carbon footprint using a calculator like this one from Carbonbase . You can calculate your footprint in a few minutes, and then you can then purchase offsets to your footprint and earn rewards immediately in the web app.

If you purchase a lot of clothes, buy clothing in-store, and frequently use toxin-heavy detergents to wash your clothes, it's likely that you'll have a larger carbon footprint. But if you buy less, rent clothing , buy second hand, and use ethical brands , your fashion footprint will be much lower.

Why it Matters

The average carbon footprint for someone based in Hong Kong is approximately 13 tonnes per year, that's about three times larger than the global average. And shockingly, 39% of Hong Kongers throw away clothes after wearing them just once.

According to Greenpeace, 110,000 tonnes of textiles are sent to landfills in Hong Kong annually. That's 1,400 shirts or approximately 21 tonnes of carbon every minute. 

Our Climate Change Clock is Running Out

We can't continue at this pace of consumption and waste b ecause our climate change clock is simply running out . 

In an art installation that tells it best, artists Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd re-programmed the infamous Metronome's digital clock in New York City's Union Square into a visual deadline showing how long the world has left to take action on climate change. 

The Climate Clock counts down how long it will take to burn through our current "carbon budget"...and the reality is jarring. Humanity has about 7 years to change our behaviour until our climate damage is irreversible . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Szpot (@illkoncept)

They calculated the carbon budget using data from Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change and an IPCC special report on global warming. The data suggests that if we can sustain a carbon budget of 420 Gt of CO2, we have a 67% chance to stay under 1.5°C of warming. If we can't keep the budget, it will lead to more devastating natural catastrophes such as wildfires, droughts and typhoons.

But hope is not lost. The biggest way to impact change is with the small actions you take every day.

6 Tips to Reduce Your Fashion Carbon Footprint Every Day

Here are six simple things you can do as part of your daily routine to reduce your fashion footprint—because Anne Marie Bonneau said it best:

“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

+ Ask yourself if you really need an item before buying it (and ask yourself MANY times! ). Reducing how much you buy is one of the best ways to reduce your emissions.

+ Instead of buying, rent your closet. Rent dresses, clothing, handbags, and accessories you know you'll only wear once. For women who love designer clothing, Style Carousel is a startup committed to providing women with a luxurious circular closet. They offer dress rentals and styling services for women to book whenever they need. Booking with their StylePass means users can enjoy a 50% discount and additional member perks like unlimited exchanges and first picks at new items.

+ Repair clothing that has minor faults. Finding smart and chic ways to restyle old pieces is a fantastic way to increase the number of times you wear a piece.

+ Donate what you no longer use . Consider local NGOs like Redress who are actively committed to making fashion more circular.

+ Choose quality over quantity. Every additional time a garment is worn means less pollution. Poor quality (and often cheap) clothing doesn't survive the wash cycle, meaning that in the long run, you don't actually save much money.

+ Encourage your household to do laundry in a smarter way. Always encourage doing full loads and use non-toxic detergents . 

Together, we can all take small actions every day to reduce our carbon footprint and build a better world for ourselves and the generations to come.

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The Fashion Industry’s Environmental Impact: Everything You Need To Know

by Sarah Tancredi | Nov 18, 2023 | Sustainability

The fashion industry’s environmental impact, a critical concern, reaches across the globe, impacting climate change , resource depletion, and pollution. This article delves into the far-reaching consequences of the fashion industry’s environmental footprint, encompassing carbon emissions, water usage, and chemical pollution. It also explores the challenges of fast fashion and unethical labour practices while showcasing sustainable solutions and the circular fashion economy concept. With an ever-growing environmental consciousness, consumers, brands, and governments are fostering a transformation towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly fashion landscape.

What is the Fashion Industry’s Environmental Impact?

The fashion industry’s environmental impact is profound, encompassing carbon emissions, resource depletion, and water pollution . Its practices contribute to climate change and waste generation, making sustainability a critical concern.

1. Carbon Emissions

The carbon emissions result from the energy-intensive processes across the fashion industry’s supply chain. Carbon emissions are substantial from the cultivation of raw materials, like cotton, to manufacturing and global transportation. Sustainable fashion initiatives aim to address this by prioritizing energy-efficient production techniques, renewable energy sources, and conscientious logistics, which include minimizing emissions and streamlining transportation routes.

2. Water Usage

The fashion industry’s high water consumption impacts resource availability and water quality. Cotton cultivation, in particular, is notorious for its water requirements. Additionally, dyeing processes often involve releasing harmful chemicals into water bodies, leading to pollution. Sustainable fashion solutions include adopting water-saving technologies in production, promoting organic cotton, and responsible water management practices to minimize environmental impact.

3. Resource Depletion

The fashion industry relies on finite resources like petroleum for synthetic fibres and minerals for dyes and accessories. Sustainable fashion aims to reduce resource depletion by shifting toward more efficient, sustainable production processes and using recycled materials. This approach reduces the environmental strain caused by resource extraction.

4. Chemical Pollution

Harmful chemicals used in textile dyeing and finishing processes can result in water pollution and pose health risks to workers in the industry and nearby communities. Sustainable fashion initiatives emphasize green chemistry, advocating for replacing toxic chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives and responsible chemical management throughout the production cycle.

5. Fast Fashion

Fast fashion’s disposable culture promotes rapid clothing turnover, leading to an alarming increase in textile waste. Sustainable fashion principles encourage waste reduction by creating durable, high-quality items meant to last longer and discourage the rapid cycle of buying and discarding clothing. This shift aims to address the environmental impact of this throwaway culture.

6. Textile Waste

The fashion industry generates an enormous volume of textile waste due to pre-consumer waste in manufacturing and post-consumer waste when consumers discard clothing. The complexity of fabric blends and finishes makes textile recycling challenging. Sustainable fashion embraces the circular economy, promoting recycling, upcycling, and prolonging the life of garments. This approach seeks to minimize waste and create a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.

7. Labor Practices

In certain regions, unethical labour practices prevail, with workers enduring low wages and poor treatment. Sustainable fashion advocates for ethical labour standards, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the humane treatment of workers. This shift addresses the social and environmental dimensions of the fashion industry’s impact.

8. Sustainable Alternatives

Sustainable fashion relies on eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and hemp and cleaner production methods that reduce environmental footprints. Transparency in the supply chain enables consumers to make informed choices, empowering them to support brands that align with their values and reduce the negative impact of their clothing choices.

9. Consumer Awareness

Informed consumers play a vital role in promoting sustainable fashion. Consumers can actively reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact by supporting eco-friendly and ethical brands, making mindful purchasing decisions, and maintaining clothing through care and repair.

10. Policy and Regulation

Governments and international organizations increasingly regulate the fashion industry to enforce eco-friendly practices. It includes emissions reduction targets, restrictions on harmful chemicals, and labour standards. These regulations are essential for pushing the industry towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices while addressing the fashion industry’s environmental impact.

Sustainable practices, responsible consumer choices, and government regulations are pivotal to addressing the fashion industry’s environmental impact. A shift toward eco-friendly materials, ethical labour practices, and circular fashion economies is essential for a more environmentally responsible future in the fashion industry.

How Do You Address The Fashion Industry’s Environmental Impact?

Mitigating the fashion industry’s environmental impact is a global imperative. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing sustainable materials, ethical production, and circular fashion practices.

• Sustainable Materials : Opt for clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, which reduces harmful chemicals and excessive water use. Recycled materials also help lessen the demand for new resources, mitigating the environmental impact.
• Ethical Production: Support brands prioritizing ethical labour practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. This choice promotes a more equitable and socially responsible fashion industry, addressing labour exploitation concerns.
• Circular Fashion : Embrace a circular economy by reusing and repairing clothing and recycling old garments. Extending the lifespan of your clothing reduces the amount of textile waste, conserves resources, and minimizes the industry’s environmental footprint.
• Consumer Awareness: Make conscious buying decisions, favouring high-quality, durable clothing over disposable fashion. It reduces the demand for fast fashion and contributes to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly fashion industry.
• Advocate for Regulation: Support and promote government and international regulations that enforce eco-friendly fashion practices, including emissions reduction targets, chemical restrictions, and labour standards. These regulations create a framework for a more environmentally responsible fashion industry, addressing the fashion industry’s environmental impact on a broader scale.
• Upcycling : Embrace upcycling by giving old clothing new life through creative alterations and design. Transforming existing garments reduces the need for further production and minimizes waste, contributing to a more sustainable and unique fashion approach.
• Reduced Consumption: Practice mindful consumption by buying fewer items and maximizing what you have. Easing unnecessary purchases curbs demand for fast fashion and lessens the industry’s environmental burden while encouraging a more sustainable and minimalist wardrobe.

We can collectively reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint by championing sustainable choices, ethical standards, and circular fashion principles. This path leads to a more eco-conscious and responsible future for the fashion industry.

The Future of Sustainable Fashion

The future of sustainable fashion is a dynamic landscape marked by a shift towards eco-conscious practices, ethical standards, and innovative technologies. This evolving industry aims to minimize its environmental footprint, embrace circularity, and prioritize social responsibility, guided by consumers’ growing awareness and preferences and the imperative to protect the planet.

The future of sustainable fashion is a transition toward a more responsible, eco-friendly, and ethical industry driven by consumer demand, innovation, and global awareness of environmental and social issues.

The fashion industry’s environmental impact is pressing, but the winds of change are blowing stronger. An increasingly eco-conscious audience drives the shift towards sustainable practices, ethical labour standards, and mindful consumption. Fashion brands respond by adopting eco-friendly materials, promoting recycling, and implementing cleaner production processes. The fashion industry is evolving towards a circular economy emphasizing reuse and waste reduction. Governments and global organizations are regulating to enforce greener practices. By making informed choices, supporting eco-friendly brands, and advocating responsible manufacturing, we collectively steer the fashion industry toward a more environmentally responsible future, addressing the fashion industry’s environmental impact.

Also Read:   What Is The Future Of Sustainable Fashion In The US?

Sarah Tancredi is an experienced journalist and news reporter specializing in environmental and climate crisis issues. With a deep passion for the planet and a commitment to raising awareness about pressing environmental challenges, Sarah has dedicated her career to informing the public and promoting sustainable solutions. She strives to inspire individuals, communities, and policymakers to take action to safeguard our planet for future generations.

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10 Ways to Reduce Your Fashion Ecological Footprint

The fashion industry has huge negative social and environmental impacts. It's one of the largest polluters globally and contributes massively to climate change . As consumers, we can help by reducing the ecological footprint of our wardrobe. We can adopt a more sustainable approach to fashion and transform the way we produce, and consume clothes. We have the power to drive change in the global textile and apparel industry. We choose the clothes we buy and who we support with our money. Many people like to buy fast fashion , cheap and trendy clothing pushed to high-street stores every week. It's fun, affordable, accessible, and convenient. The fast-fashion business model has been growing very rapidly over the past 20 years. Unfortunately, it's not ethical, sustainable , or ecological. The overproduction and overconsumption of cheaply made clothes have a catastrophic impact on people, animals, and the planet. Our fashion addiction is extremely damaging not only to the environment but also ecosystems, and human health. We have reached record high textile and plastic wastes , clean water, air, and soil pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Let's change our behavior and improve the wasteful fashion system into a more inclusive, regenerative, and circular one. Here are 10 ways to reduce your fashion ecological footprint.

Panaprium is independent and reader supported. If you buy something through our link, we may earn a commission. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month in support of sustainable fashion. Thank you!

1. Raise awareness of sustainable fashion

2. Shop ethical fashion brands

3. Choose eco-friendly materials

4. Buy high-quality clothing

5. Purchase fewer clothes

6. Second-hand clothing is amazing

7. The rise of clothing rentals

8. Swap used clothes with friends

9. Recycle and upcycle old clothes

10. Donate to charity

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

What We're Up Against

Fast fashion groups overproducing cheap clothes in the poorest countries. Garment factories with sweatshop-like conditions underpaying workers. Media conglomerates promoting unethical, unsustainable fashion products. Bad actors encouraging clothing overconsumption through oblivious behavior. - - - - Thankfully, we've got our supporters, including you. Panaprium is funded by readers like you who want to join us in our mission to make the fashion industry entirely eco-friendly. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month in support of sustainable fashion. Thank you.

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Thanks for sharing! I had no idea that I can recycle wy clothes. I decided to try this in the future. Also this post got me thinking about how to buy fewer clothes.

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20 Fast Fashion Quotes to Inspire You Into Action

The fast fashion industry has been under greater scrutiny as more consumers become aware of its detrimental environmental impacts . Relying on cheap and rapid production and distribution of low-quality clothing, fast fashion not only generates 92 million tons of clothing and textile waste every year, which is equivalent to one and a half Empire State Buildings a year but produces more carbon emissions than aviation and shipping sectors combined. What’s more, 20% of global wastewater comes from textile dyeing needed to support the fast fashion industry. While consumers can enjoy low-priced clothing from fast fashion giants such as Zara, Forever 21, and H&M, the trend comes at a cost: garment workers are more often than not receiving unfair wages and working in poor labour conditions. Aside from these worrying statistics , here are some notable fast fashion quotes that spur you into action. 

20 Fast Fashion Quotes

1. “Fast fashion is like fast food. After the sugar rush, it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.” – Livia Firth , co-founder and creative director of Eco-Age, a leading consulting and creative agency specialised in integrated sustainability. 

2. “Fast fashion is not free. Someone, somewhere is paying the price.” – Lucy Siegle , British journalist and writer who specialises in environmental issues.

3. “As consumers we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy” – Emma Watson , actress and environmental activist. 

4. “When an industry doesn’t care about how people are treated, no consideration of sustainability is possible. You can’t just care about the environment and forget about the fair and ethical treatment of people.” – Simone Cipriani , an officer of the United Nations who created and manages the Ethical Fashion Initiative of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the WTO. 

5. “Next to oil, fashion in its broadest sense, fast fashion, to leather to denim, is the next biggest industrial polluter of the world’s waterways.” –  Filmmaker Mark Angelo in his documentary, RiverBlue . 

6. “ If you pay a little more, we can live a little better.” – Sharti Atka , garment worker from Bangladesh.

If you like these fast fashion quotes, you might be interested: 7 Fast Fashion Companies Responsible for Environmental Pollution

7. “What if we started by slowing down and not consuming so much stuff, just because it’s there and cheap and available. It’s amazing how that process makes sense financially, it makes sense ethically, it makes sense environmentally.” – Andrew Morgan , filmmaker and director of The True Cost . 

8. “Fashion’s negligence to provide a living wage is especially concerning when considering that fact the United Nations has declared it a basic human right.” – Patrick Woodyard , Co-Founder & CEO of Nisolo, an online retailer that emphasises on providing fair wages. 

9. “Demand quality, not just in the products you buy, but in the life of the person who made it.” – Orsola de Castro , an upcyclist, fashion designer, author, and co-founder of Fashion Revolution, an activism movement which works towards a sustainable fashion industry. 

10. “Cheap consumer products are sold to us as some grand achievement of globalisation, but they’ve come at the price of middle-class jobs, craftsmanship and stable communities.”   – Elizabeth L Cline , author of Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion .

11. “When you buy into fast fashion, no matter how many times you wash your clothes they will never be truly clean. They’re stained by the sweat of those who made them, and the footprint it leaves on this planet.” – Laura François , social impact strategist and social entrepreneur behind organisations including Clothing the Loop and Fashion Revolution.

12. “One day we’ll wake up and green will not be the new black, it will be the new invisible. Meaning, no longer will sustainable be the exception or something that’s considered au courant; instead it will be a matter of course – something that all designers incorporate into their design ethos.”   – Summer Rayne Oakes , known as the world’s first “eco-model”, entrepreneur, and author of Style, Naturally.  

13. “Cheap fashion is really far from that, it may be cheap in terms of the financial cost, but very expensive when it comes to the environment and the cost of human life.” – Sass Brown , author of ECO Fashion . 

14. “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last” – Vivienne Westwood, English fashion designer and businesswoman.

15. “ Clothes could have more meaning and longevity if we think less about owning the latest or cheapest thing and develop more of a relationship with the things we wear” – Elizabeth L Cline , author of Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion .

16.  “Realise the political power of your money and spend it with the brands you know are treating their workers and the environment in the best possible way” – Lily Cole,  Model and entrepreneur

17. “Become an active citizen through your wardrobe.” – Livia Firth , Founder and Creative Director of Eco-Age.

18.  “No one wants to wear clothes that were made from someone’s blood” – Amber Valetta , Model and entrepreneur (Vogue 2015).

19. “What is ethical fashion? It’s a confusing term. Sometimes it’s easier to define by what it isn’t – and unfortunately that is most of what can be found on the high street. Unethical fashion means very very little transparency, accountability and knowledge of the supply chain. It means demands of very quick lead times and production turnaround. It means producers played off against each other. It means a wage that doesn’t even afford the worker an adequate salary for two meals a day.” – Safia Minney , fair trade fashion pioneer, author and founder of People Tree

20. “Becoming more mindful about clothing means looking at every fibre, at every seed and every dye and seeing how to make it better. We don’t want sustainability to be our edge, we want it to be universal.” – Eileen Fisher , fashion designer

Featured image: © ILO/Aaron Santos ( CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO )

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What is fashion’s footprint? Interview with Kresse of Elvis & Kresse

Sustainable and ethical luxury fashion brand, Elvis & Kresse , does very simple things; they rescue materials that would otherwise go to landfill, they transform them into beautiful new goods and then they donate 50% of profits to charity. Since 2005 they’ve collected all of London’s decommissioned firehoses, made them into bags/belts/wallets and then donated 50% of profits to The Firefighters Charity .

This week we had the opportunity to chat with Kresse about fashion’s footprint, about a consumer’s role in the pace of the industry, and the industry’s role in climate justice.

Listen to the recording of our chat (where we deep dive into the questions) or read a shortened version of the interview below:

Transcription:

Beth: Hi Kresse, thanks for chatting with me today. ‘Fast fashion’ is a term one hears a lot these days. Can you tell me what it is and why it’s so bad?

Kresse: There’s a lot of elements to fast fashion. One is that there used to be, say, 4 seasons per year, now there seems to be an unlimited number of seasons and drops per year. So the pace at which clothing is being churned out, and consumed, is incredibly quick. Because of this, the wrap-around industry is too fast as well; things have to be couriered and airmailed instead of being sent through the post, you have designers that are burning out because they constantly have to come up with new ideas, you’ve got farmers and garment workers that aren’t being paid well enough… The whole supply chain is poisoned by degradation and human exploitation and that’s because of the pace and the demands that are put on every single person in the supply chain. Fast fashion is essentially social and environmental annihilation, wrapped up as a creative Bonbon and sold to people who probably can’t afford it anyway. It’s a hideous mess.

Beth: How do you think we’re going to change that? Some would say that fast fashion is consumer-driven, others would say that it’s not a consumer’s responsibility and we won’t change until businesses do. Where do you think the responsibility lies?

Kresse: It’s everyone’s responsibility! It is the consumer’s responsibility, it is the producer’s responsibility, it is the government’s responsibility to actually enforce the modern slavery laws that we have. Every aspect of the supply chain has a responsibility and everyone is participating in it, so I don’t think you can blame one group or the other. We are all responsible, and in particular, the people most responsible are those who have a choice. The weaknesses in the system affect the people who are least able to deal with the consequences. What we should be offering is better, more secure jobs, which involve materials that are more environmentally-friendly. This will cost more, so consumers will have to buy less. Maybe the producer would make less profit, but that profit would be more evenly distributed across the supply chain and we would start to have a more sustainable system. It would slow down.

Beth: Are you starting to see that shift towards a slower system or is there still a really long way to go?

Kresse: Certainly there is a bit of a shift, but at the same time the pace of fast fashion brands has sped up. There’s this incredible report written by the Union of Concerned Researchers in Fashion , which said that despite all of the changes that have been made over the past 10 years, the pace within the industry wipes out any positive change whatsoever. This is why we need to be careful of saying ‘Isn’t it great X large brand has a tiny collection which is eco and ethical’ because really that’s just a veneer of greenness that covers the rest of the damage they’re causing. So have there been changes? Yes. But the fastest-growing fashion businesses in the UK are not slow businesses; they are fast, they are exploitative and they degrade the environment.

Beth: Elvis & Kresse’s obsession is waste. What are the fashion industry’s biggest waste areas and how do you think these can be addressed?  

Kresse: I think you can really understand a culture and society by what it does and doesn’t value. Archeologists aren’t digging up hoards of waste. This mass burying of stuff we no longer want is very much a modern invention, and it all stems from the onslaught of single-use goods. We just have too many things that are designed with unbelievably durable and wonderful materials that are then only used once. Even if you are recycling those items, this is still a defeat because you’ve used up too many precious resources for one single event.

Beth: Yes, I interviewed Scott from Revive Eco ; a company that is turning used coffee grounds into a sustainable alternative to palm oil. He said he feels recycling builds a culture that allows waste to exist because it placates us from feeling guilty about throwing things away. Tell me, is there regulation in the fashion industry that prevents brands from eliminating single-use plastic?

Kresse: In fashion, no. There are no restrictions. Reusables have been cracked in some beauty and some food, so it’s not like it can’t be done. We just need a system in place to encourage it.

Beth: So how can consumers help to build this world that we’ve been talking about?

Kresse: If you’re going to buy something new, think long and hard about it. Research it; is it durable, is it something that you really want? Don’t ever buy something that you’ve just seen for the first time. Or you can buy stuff secondhand. Then, think about what you’re going to do with your time and your talent and your skills; aspire to work in the development of biodegradable materials that don’t cost the earth, or renewable energy technology or social justice work. People have to put their energy into things that regenerate the planet and make people love each other rather than things that are causing damage and pain.

Beth: This leads on to my next question… Obviously fashion’s footprint isn’t purely environmental. There’s a lot of social injustice wrapped up in the industry which needs to be addressed. As a company that believes in fair and ethical treatment of employees, and that has been a Bcorp for over 5 years, how do you think fashion brands can support climate justice and contribute to building an intersectional future?

Kresse: Climate change really is a cultural issue. There’s a lot of people who think we can implement technical fixes and just keep running as normal. But as soon as you scratch below the surface and understand that there is so much modern slavery in food and fashion, and in manufacturing in general, you realise that we can’t really address climate change by doing that. Because it’s still unsustainable. We are allowing an unsustainable lifestyle in some countries to be propped up, and effectively subsidised, by people living elsewhere. And I just don’t know anyone who could justify that. I understand that that’s where we are, but I don’t understand any business that isn’t trying desperately to unpick its relationship with where we are.

Beth: I couldn’t agree more. In the UK at least, our Net Zero commitments are now legally binding, so governments are going to be forced to implement regulations for businesses. It would be sad if they wait for regulation to change, but at the end of the day there are businesses out there that need that push. But I have hope things are changing.

Kresse: Yes we all should. Elvis and I were listening to a podcast and one of the takeaways for us was the idea that hope comes from action, not the other way around. So we all need to keep taking action.

Check out Elvis & Kresse on Instagram.

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Fast fashion - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Fast fashion refers to a business model in the fashion industry characterized by the rapid production of cheap and trendy clothing. Essays on fast fashion might delve into the examination of its economic models, its impact on the environment and human rights, or its reflection of contemporary consumer culture. Discussions might also explore the challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable fashion practices, the consumer behaviors driving fast fashion, or the global supply chains and working conditions associated with fast fashion production. Analyzing fast fashion offers a lens into the complex interplay of commerce, sustainability, and societal values in a globalized world. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Fast Fashion you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

EU should Charge Tax on Fast Fashion

 The development of globalisation has brought a new business concept called fast fashion to society. Fast fashion is “a business model that encourages new designs in stores every few weeks instead of every fashion season.” (Okonkwo, 2016, p. 229). The fast fashion industry originated in Europe, and its main features are that the price of clothes is low, the number of clothes is large, and the styles of clothes are various (Wilkinson, 2018). Brands such as Zara and H&M send […]

Fast Fashion’s Impact: Unveiling Sweatshops and Consumer Consequences

Global Garments: Unveiling the World of Sweatshops Ever wonder where that five-dollar shirt you bought the other day from the mall came from? Chances are it came from a less developed country and was manufactured in a factory where the worker was probably not treated right. Furthermore, if you have ever bought brand-name clothing, you have probably supported a sweatshop without even knowing it. Sweatshops are factories where the workers are overworked and underpaid under extreme and unsafe conditions. Many […]

Does Patagonia Use Child Labor?

Have you ever checked the labels on your clothes to see where they come from? Do the companies provide safe and fair conditions to the workers? You may not have known that some of these workers work up to 20 hours a day to make the product you need. There are some companies that use forced labor and don’t tell the truth about what themselves. Over the past years, Patagonia has been installing progressive ideas to help create better working […]

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Fashion Always Creates Interest

"Fashion always creates interest in people anywhere, anytime. Everyone becomes so confidential with the latest styles that think fashion is just a popular trend. However, life is more controlled by the fashion industry than many people notice; It affects not only clothes, but almost all the conditions of daily life. For a lot of people, fashion is just a preference and for other people it is important to wear only the newest fashion trends. For others, nevertheless, the fashion and […]

Fast Fashion Eco-Quilt: Tracing the Ecological Footprint of Swift Style Fabrics

In the vibrant tapestry of fashion, where trends morph like the seasons, the fabrics gracing our garments quietly narrate an environmental tale often lost in the shuffle of changing styles. Amid the delightful dance of updating our closets with the latest fashion, it becomes imperative to pause and delve into the lifecycle and ecological impact of the fabrics that drape our bodies. Polyester, a stalwart in the realm of fast fashion, emerges from the alchemy of petrochemicals. Its pocket-friendly allure […]

Fast Fashion: Decoding the Enduring Echoes of Rapid Trends

Within the kaleidoscope of ever-shifting fashion paradigms, fast fashion emerges as a wizard, weaving spells of ephemeral trends and rapid transformations. As this sartorial sorcery unfolds, it leaves in its wake not just garments, but a lingering tapestry of consequences that extends far beyond the temporal charm of the latest styles. The environmental ballet orchestrated by fast fashion unveils a symphony of discordant notes, composed of synthetic fabrics and the cacophony of high-speed manufacturing. The ecological stage, post-performance, witnesses a […]

The Fast Fashion Frenzy: an Insightful Critique

In the pulsating world of fashion, one term has risen to prominence like a shooting star, captivating consumers and designers alike: Fast Fashion. This meteoric rise, however, is not without its shadows. Beneath the shimmering facade lies a labyrinth of ethical dilemmas, environmental concerns, and cultural ramifications that demand our attention. At its core, fast fashion epitomizes the fusion of speed and accessibility. It promises the latest trends at prices so tantalizingly low they seem almost too good to be […]

The Fast Fashion Frenzy: a Vogue of Vanity

Fast fashion: two words that encapsulate a phenomenon both revered and reviled in the ever-evolving realm of style. It's a pulsating heartbeat within the fashion industry, a rhythm that echoes through every garment, every runway, and every wardrobe. In its essence, fast fashion is a whirlwind romance between consumerism and trends, a dance where the tempo never slows, and the stakes are always high. At its core, fast fashion is a testament to the era of instant gratification. It's the […]

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Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: who won fashion fit rivalry at WNBA All-Star Game?

Matthew graham | jul 21, 2024.

• Chicago Sky
• Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese played down the rivalry all weekend, minus a not-so-subtle joke from the Indiana Fever phenom on opening night.

And when the lights shined brightest at the WNBA All-Star Game, both Clark and the Chicago Sky’s All-Star Barbie performed at a high level as Team WNBA upset the USA Women’s Basketball National Team, 117-109. The perceived or real rivals even dapped to celebrate the victory .

So...truce, @IndianaFever ? 😂 #skytown | #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/CmwK7GyQwu — Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) July 21, 2024

Team WNBA wanted to show why some of their players deserved to be going to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. And of course Chi-Town Barbie got her double-double and fulfilled Clark’s prediction.

But enough about that. Who won the “Zoolander” walk off before the game?

"Like a baddie, like a Barbie" 😂💅 Angel Reese feeling good ahead of her first AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rQj5vf70G3 — ESPN (@espn) July 20, 2024

OKAYYYY BARBIE #skytown | #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/vteEvKoles — Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) July 20, 2024

Bada** Barbie has a nice ring to it; and like usual, Reese slayed it in this ensemble that would have also worked in the most exclusive Scottsdale club with full VIP bottle service.

RELATED: Angel Reese sizzles in two-piece bikini poolside before All-Star Game

Clark was still stylish but a little more understated with her leather miniskirt and white blouse top.

🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/TYuTdfkD48 — Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 20, 2024

The winner in this instance is clearly Bada** Barbie.

Although, to be fair, the Fever phenom was on fire opening night in a sheer look that blew up the internet.

RELATED: Caitlin Clark slays in sheer see-through fit for 2024 WNBA All-Star arrivals

Caitlin, Caitlin, Caitlin 🤩 The @IndianaFever rookie sensation hit the carpet serving looks and breaking necks! WNBA Orange Carpet presented by @bumble pic.twitter.com/qEc6lEPp5r — WNBA (@WNBA) July 19, 2024

Both Badass Barbie and the Fever on-fire phenom were styling throughout All-Star weekend, but in this case, there could only be one champion: Bada** Barbie.

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

2H2H: Cameron Brink dazzles in enchanting white dress for swanky Malibu event

Aww: Angel Reese’s candy-sweet gift to adoring fan after WNBA All-Star Game

Kick-off: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: who’s wearing sicker kicks at All-Star Game

Dope duo: Paige Bueckers, Flau’jae stun courtside in slamming fits at All-Star Game

No way!: WNBA All-Stars get ridiculously low pay for showcase game

MATTHEW GRAHAM

Matthew Graham has over 20 years of media experience and oversees The Athlete Lifestyle On SI. He has had previous leadership roles at NBC Sports, Yahoo, and USA TODAY, where he co-founded For The Win (named Best Mobile Site by Digiday). He has also written for ESPN, Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, People, E! Online, and FHM, covering major sports and entertainment events like the Oscars, the Golden Globes, NBA Finals, Super Bowl, and winning the Yahoo Superstar Award for coverage of the Olympics.

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How Young Artists Take Inspiration From Religion in Uncertain Times

Inheritors of a world shaped by big tech and precarious careers, these New York artists are searching for answers in good faith.

By Travis Diehl

In February 2022, new to New York and seeking bleeding-edge culture, I found myself at a poetry reading at KGB, an Eastern Bloc-themed bar in the East Village. The night’s second reader took the stage, a solid black crucifix tattooed on her sternum, and read the King James Version of Lamentations, flawlessly and intensely, from start to finish. “And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace,” she intoned. “I forgat prosperity.”

I had spent my adult life distancing myself from a Protestant upbringing. The last avant-garde idea I expected to find in New York City was Christianity. Yet Christian symbolism was everywhere, in good faith and bad. So-called Trad-Cath influencers swooned for Jesus on social media, a trend that may have peaked in August 2022 when an essay published in the opinion section of The New York Times wondered if Catholicism’s coolness could revitalize the church .

In the art galleries, the crucifixes and reliquaries, the angels and demons, felt less like fast fashion. Young artists like Chris Lloyd, Brian Oakes, Rachel Rossin and Harris Rosenblum are among those taking spiritual matters seriously. They mingle not at church but at downtown New York galleries and project spaces, especially Blade Study , Sara’s and Dunkunsthalle . And they’re tech savvy, freely mixing 3-D printing, electronics, digital animation and A.I.

But what unites them more than any particular medium is a return to big questions: Why are we here? Who should we serve? In response, they’re building iconography from pieces of other belief systems: some role-playing games and anime, some major religions.

These artists grew up in an alienating time. The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the 2008 financial crash, tumultuous Trumpian politics and waves of protests all helped dislodge the guiding social narratives of previous generations. Covid confronted even 20-somethings with mortality and shook the old order.

And the opaqueness of the technology we have come to depend on for everything stirs age-old superstitions. Kate Crawford, a professor at the U.S.C. Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism who researches A.I., compares some developers of artificial intelligence to a “technical priest class.” Certain leaders in the industry, she said, “genuinely believe that they’re creating an artificial sentience that will be godlike.” But “are they building a vengeful god or a beneficent god.”

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