In today’s climate it is important to think about becoming more sustainable, whether that be by reducing your plastic usage or going vegan. One topic people are unaware of however, is the impact of the fast fashion industry. We talk about the water usage involved in factory farming methods, though did you know it can take around 300 million gallons of water to create just one cotton t-shirt, with clothing also taking nearly 100 years to decompose in landfill when you get bored of it. The fashion industry is worth trillions of pounds and is the second highest polluting industry on earth, contributing to 10% of the worlds global carbon emissions.
The fast fashion industry hides low paid, badly treated workers and use of toxic harmful chemicals that in turn are harming our waters. The workers of this industry do not have rights and only 2% of them actually earn the living wage, not able to support their families after working all day in gruelling conditions. This needs to stop, no person should have to work in such conditions for a toxic industry.
More so than ever people are realising the implications of fast fashion, stop placing endless orders on ASOS without knowing the effects it is causing. You are contributing to the second biggest polluter on our planet. How many times do you wear that new top you bought? How many clothes have you thrown out? There are alternatives to the fast fashion industry.
Shop at Charity Shops
A simple and cheap way to avoid fast fashion. I do this all the time! I find amazing one of a kind pieces in charity shops, you have just got to keep an eye out. Along with charity shops there is Depop online, where you can search for what you want and find some gems. These are great alternatives to fast fashion shopping and often end up being a whole lot cheaper. I used to spend a lot of money at places like Topshop or New Look, now, however I can spend less than £20 and get lots of amazing pieces that no one else will have! Rather than throwing out your clothes into landfill, donate them to charities so that someone who really needs clothes can enjoy the items you never wear anymore. You could even repurpose your old clothes, adjust them, find new ways to wear them that doesn't involve throwing them out.
Shop Sustainably
There are companies out there who make sustainable clothing items and treat their workers fairly, with suitable pay. More and more companies are popping up with good ethics behind their clothing items, you just have to know where to look. Companies like TALA are great alternative to fast fashion gym wear brands, they use ethically sourced materials and landfill waste to create their items and pay their workers fairly. Lucy and Yak is an ethically sourced company selling beautiful clothing items. If you are looking for sustainably made underwear then Organic Basics is a great place! They use eco-friendly materials to make their items and sell all the basics you will need. Yes, these shops may be a little on the pricer side but you are not just paying more for nothing. You are paying more so that their workers get fair pay, you are paying more for good quality materials that won't just break after a week of wear, you are paying for sustainability that will work out cheaper for you in the long run. Why do you think fast fashion websites and shops sell items so cheap? Because of the use of cheap materials and low paid workers.
Not everyone has to be perfect with this movement, but aiming to buy less fast fashion items will help the planet immensely. We need to put an end to flash sales on cheaply made items and pull together to help make a more sustainable fashion industry.
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