This has been a post that I have wanted to hit publish for quite some time now. A few months ago I watched a documentary called The True Cost. The True Cost is all about fast fashion and how it’s impacting our world today.
First, what is Fast Fashion? Fast fashion utilizes trend replication, rapid production, and low-quality materials to bring inexpensive styles to the public. Think stores like Zara, HM, Forever 21.
I wanted to start saying a few things, if you can watch the documentary, I HIGHLY recommend it. It starts off a bit slow, but the statistics are alarming and moving.
I have no idea what the solution to fast fashion is. We are a microwave society- we want everything now, and cheap. Life is moving at a rapid pace, and if it costs too much, then we don’t want it.
The problem with that is our clothes are so cheap, we don’t think twice about throwing it away after we have worn them once.
This needs to change.
Here are some more alarming facts;
“The average American now generates 82 pounds of textile waste each year. That adds up to more than 11 million tons of textile waste from the U.S. alone.” Out of that 82 pounds, only about 10% gets resold or donated. The rest goes to landfill. – The True Cost.
“Garment workers, primarily women, in Bangladesh make about $96 per month.” –WRI.org
A 2018 U.S. Department of Labor report found evidence of forced and child labor in the fashion industry in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam, and other countries.
So What Do We Do??
Shopping sustainably gets expensive, and quick. I wish shopping sustainably was as cheap as fast fashion but the reality is, it isn’t. So if we can’t shop sustainably what do we do?
Shop smarter and slower.
Do we need a new dress for every occasion? Probably not. Should we shop every sale? Probably not.
However, we can make sure we are shopping smarter, will the dress we are buying be worn more than once or even 10 times? Maybe we can avoid fewer trendy items and invest in more closet staples, or items we can wear all year round.
Other ideas are also shopping second hand, or even maybe swapping clothes with a friend! The answer may look different for everyone, but the important thing is we take a step forward, and if we all do OUR part. Together we can make a difference.
I would love to hear from you, what are your thoughts on fast fashion, and what are some tips you have to shop smarter and slower? Stay tuned for more brands and ways I will be shopping smarter from now on.
Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo,
SEE MORE FASHION HERE:
How to Wear Biker Shorts 3 Ways
How to Wear Neon Trend; Day to Night
P.S. If you’re looking for a great resource check out The Good Trade.
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Thank you for this post! I’m trying to be more environmentally-friendly this year in all aspects, and that includes shopping for clothes. So helpful! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
We do need to be mindful shoppers. It’s best to buy one closet staple that will last several years than to buy 5 pieces of clothing that we’ll wear once or twice. I started using Poshmark and I love it!
Agreed! I even started asking myself how many times will I really wear this. It has really made me think twice about buying ALOT.
I agree there is no need to constantly buy I have started Poshmark a place where people buy and re sale thanks for the info!
I love Poshmark!
Yes completely agree we need to do our part! The landfills aren’t endless and people don’t realize or care about that, but future generations will be the ones to feel the damage. Control impulses to buy every trend out there!
YES! It’s our kids, and their kids that are going to feel it more then we do!
Good for you. I feel that the fashion/lifestyle blogger universe is absolutely responsible for fast fashion. the “click on links” and “swipe to shop my feed” culture. Nothing is faster than that. Fear of missing out reigns supreme in that world.
I agree influencers have to be more mindful of what and how we are promoting things!