Paying the Price for Fast Fashion: Uncovering the Environmental and Social Costs

Written by Wildlife & Welfare Researcher Aimee Du Luart

In our fast-paced world, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, the demand for cheap clothing has reached unprecedented levels. Enter the era of “fast fashion”.

While it may seem like a convenient and affordable way to stay on top of the latest trends, the reality is far from glamorous. Fast fashion comes with significant negative consequences for workers and the environment.

This month we explore the detrimental effects of fast fashion and provide sustainable alternatives for conscientious consumers.

Understanding Fast Fashion: What is it?

The fast fashion industry thrives on rapid production, low labour costs, and cheap materials to keep up with consumer demand. It churns out inexpensive clothing that mimics the latest designer trends and reaches the market quickly. But here’s the catch: the industry prioritises profit margins, often neglecting the well-being of workers and the long-term impact on the planet.

Why is fast fashion so bad?

The exploitation of workers: a global crisis

The fast fashion industry is overwhelmed with various issues affecting workers' livelihoods and safety that have remained largely hidden from the public eye.

By outsourcing production to countries with low labour costs, fast fashion brands perpetuate a cycle of exploitation. Workers in these supply chains often endure long hours, lack job security, face exploitation, and earn shockingly low wages. In some cases, they are even forced to work for free. Research from the Clean Clothes Campaign showed that in 2014, 85% of the top 20 clothing brands said wages should meet workers' basic needs, but in 2019 the same brands could not prove any garment workers were being paid a living wage.

Hazardous working conditions are another harsh reality for factory workers in fast fashion supply chains. 10 years on, the haunting memory of the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, which claimed the lives of 1,138 garment workers, serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers they face. Additionally, the majority of workers in the fast fashion industry are women, often facing gender-based discrimination and unequal treatment.

Environmental Consequences: The True Cost of Cheap Clothing

Fast fashion brands leave a devastating mark on the environment. When we talk about how fast fashion is bad for our planet, there are several key factors that we simply can't ignore: Water usage, greenhouse gases, toxins, and textile waste are just a few of the environmental burdens we bear.

Fast fashion relies heavily on non-renewable resources, such as water, energy, and fossil fuels.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, it takes a whopping 2,700 litres of water to produce just one cotton t-shirt!

The production process alone, which includes manufacturing, transportation, and packaging, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with the textile industry responsible for 5-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. And let’s not forget about the microplastic pollution caused by the use of synthetic fibres, like polyester, which harms our precious aquatic ecosystems.

Another glaring problem with fast fashion brands that cannot be ignored, is the lack of recycling or donation for the majority of their items. We’re talking about unsold deadstock, garments discarded by consumers and even returned items. It’s a wasteful cycle that fast fashion perpetuates, fueling a disposable mentality resulting in an enormous amount of textile waste. All those clothes that get tossed aside end up in landfills, taking up precious space and releasing harmful greenhouse gases as they slowly decompose, wreaking havoc on our planet. In the United States alone, a staggering 11 million tons of textile waste find their way to landfills each year.

Taking action: sustainable alternatives to fast fashion

But fear not! By staying informed, asking the right questions, and supporting truly sustainable brands, we can see through the greenwashing charade of the fast fashion giants and make choices that truly make a positive impact. Here are a few key steps you can take:

Embrace secondhand fashion: explore the world of charity shops and online marketplaces like Depop and Vinted where unique and pre-loved clothing awaits. By choosing secondhand options, you extend the lifespan of garments and contribute to reducing textile waste.
Support ethical and sustainable brands: research and choose fashion brands that prioritise sustainability, fair labour practices, use environmentally friendly materials and promote transparency in their supply chains. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), B-Corp, Ecocert and Bluesign. These labels are a stamp of commitment to ethical production and sustainability.
Quality over quantity: invest in well-made, durable clothing that will stand the test of time. Opt for classic designs and versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. This way, you're building a sustainable wardrobe that transcends fleeting trends and embraces a more mindful approach to fashion.

How to Check if a Brand is Fast Fashion or Not:

Don't be fooled by false claims and empty promises. Here are a few tips to determine if a brand is fast fashion or not:

Research the brand: dig deep into their production practices, supply chain transparency, and commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion. Explore their website, read their mission statement, and keep an eye out for certifications or partnerships with sustainable organisations.
Consider price and turnover: fast fashion brands thrive on extremely low prices and a constant churn of new collections. If a brand is known for low-cost, disposable clothing and frequent style turnover, it is likely a fast fashion culprit.
Materials and quality: fast fashion relies heavily on synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic etc., which have a significant environmental impact. Check clothing tags and seek out natural and sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or linen.
Social media presence: investigate the brand's social media platforms. If they heavily promote excessive consumption, quick turnover, and unsustainable fashion practices, it's a red flag for fast fashion.

Fast fashion may lure us in with its cheap prices and trendy designs, but the true cost goes beyond the price tag. Workers suffer inhumane conditions and the environment bears the burden of our insatiable desire for new clothes. By understanding the detrimental effects of fast fashion and making conscious choices, we can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. Remember, every small action counts. Let’s support brands that prioritise people and the planet, embrace the magic of secondhand fashion, and cherish clothing as a valuable resource. It's time to create a future that blends sustainability and style seamlessly!

Additional tips:

If you're feeling creative, why not try your hand at upcycling? Transform old or second hand garments into something new and exciting. Get those creative juices flowing, and experiment with different cuts, embellishments, and dyeing techniques. You'll end up with one-of-a-kind pieces that truly reflect your style and reduce waste in the process.
Take care of your clothes. Proper maintenance and repair can significantly extend their lifespan. Mend small tears, replace buttons, or give garments a fresh look through alterations. By giving your clothes a little TLC, you're not only saving money but also reducing your environmental footprint.

If you would like to learn about actions you can take to help save our planet, please visit our Environmental Calendar:

Environmental Calendar