Why is Fast Fashion Bad for the Environment?

Introduction

Fast fashion, defined as “inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends” (BusinessDictionary.com) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Consumers are drawn to the low prices and wide selection of fast fashion items, but what many don’t realize is the environmental cost of such clothing. This article will explore why fast fashion is bad for the environment.

Highlighting the Amount of Water Used to Manufacture Fast Fashion Items

The amount of water needed to produce a single garment can be staggering. According to the H&M Foundation, it takes an average of 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton t-shirt. That is enough to meet the daily needs of approximately two people. What’s more, the global apparel industry uses 79 billion cubic meters of water each year, equivalent to the annual flow of 56 major rivers. This puts tremendous strain on the world’s water supply.

Explaining How Synthetic Materials are Not Biodegradable

Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon, are commonly used in fast fashion items. These man-made materials are not biodegradable, meaning they will remain in the environment indefinitely if not recycled or reused. A study conducted by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology found that synthetic fabrics account for 60-80% of the microfibers released from washing machines. These tiny fibers eventually make their way into waterways where they can be ingested by marine animals, leading to health problems.

Showing How Fast Fashion Encourages Overconsumption

The cycle of buying cheap, poorly made clothing and quickly discarding it can lead to overconsumption. The prevalence of social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest have only exacerbated this problem. As one study notes, “Social media has enabled the spread of fashion trends at an unprecedented rate, creating an almost constant demand for new clothes.” This has led to consumers buying more clothing than they need, resulting in a rise in textile waste.

Discussing How Toxic Chemicals Can be Released into the Environment During Production

The production of fast fashion items often involves the use of hazardous chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and the environment. For example, dyes and finishes used to give clothing its color and texture can contain toxic substances such as formaldehyde, lead, and phthalates. If these chemicals are not disposed of properly, they can end up in local waterways, where they can cause serious damage to aquatic life.

Pointing Out How Microplastics from Synthetic Fabrics are Polluting Waterways

Microplastics, defined as “tiny pieces of plastic less than five millimeters long” (NOAA), are released into waterways when synthetic fabrics are washed. Studies have shown that these microplastics can accumulate in the stomachs of fish and other marine animals, leading to health problems. Microplastics have also been found in drinking water, raising concerns about their potential health impacts on humans.

Examining the Consequences of Landfills Overflowing with Discarded Clothing

Clothing discarded after a short period of time ends up in landfills, where it can take decades to break down. This contributes to the growing problem of non-biodegradable waste, which can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems. In addition, landfills generate methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is 28 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Thus, the buildup of discarded clothing in landfills can contribute to climate change.

Highlighting the Energy Used for Transportation and Storage of Fast Fashion Items

The transportation and storage of fast fashion items requires a significant amount of energy. From transporting raw materials to shipping finished products, the global apparel industry emits 1.2 billion tons of CO2 annually, making it one of the most polluting industries in the world. Furthermore, the energy used to light and cool stores, warehouses, and other retail spaces adds to the industry’s carbon footprint.

Conclusion

This article has explored why fast fashion is bad for the environment. From the amount of water used to manufacture items to the release of toxic chemicals during production, the environmental impacts of fast fashion are far-reaching. The prevalence of social media platforms has only exacerbated the problem, encouraging consumers to buy more clothing than they need. To reduce fast fashion’s environmental impact, consumers should opt for sustainable, ethically-produced clothing whenever possible.