Breaking The Chains Of Fast Fashion's Environmental Toll

“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.

FASHION

Prisha Gupta

12/7/20233 min read

In our contemporary world, grappling with the enthusiastic waves of inflation and escalating prices, the prominence of fast fashion has reached unprecedented heights. Brands such as SHEIN, Temu, and Zara have become the vanguards of this phenomenon, swiftly translating the latest trends into affordable garments. However, the repercussions of this rapid turnover are glaring, with a substantial portion of these hastily produced clothes finding their untimely demise in landfills. The Fashion Environmentalist Matt Soren fervently champions the cause of sustainable fashion, envisioning an industry that embraces carbon neutrality, prioritizes social justice, advocates for animal welfare, and upholds ecological integrity.

I asked Matt how does he feel about waisted material in fast fashion “ I think it really is sad n a hindrance on man kinds capabilities" He also added “There is no way we can mass produce at this scale for our environment this can not be sustained. This can not go on forever there should be a wide spread of voices speaking up because this is a real problem let’s think about the generations ahead. I get it’s very cute but take a look at Fe Noel supper cute fun n quality that is a brand of the future that uses recycled materials"

The fashion industry has become intricately entwined with the distressing narrative of the Amazon rainforest's demise, the largest rainforest on our planet. Beyond the utilization of trees for the production of cellulosic fibers, a significant concern arises from the active role played by major fashion corporations in expediting the deforestation of the Amazon to satisfy the demands of their leather-based products. The period from 2001 to 2015 witnessed a staggering loss of over 20 million hectares of forest, accounting for half of the Amazon's total tree depletion, primarily driven by the expansion of pasture lands. This alarming pattern, if perpetuated, threatens to render Earth's forests devastated, transforming vibrant ecosystems into a desolate and barren landscape.

The relentless pursuit of fashion trends, coupled with the collateral environmental impact, underscores the urgent need for sustainable and responsible practices within the industry to preserve the invaluable biodiversity of the Amazon and safeguard the health of our planet.

Beyond the environmental implications, the nexus between fast fashion and influencers cannot be ignored. Celebrities actively collaborate with these brands, injecting an irresistible allure into their clothing lines, thereby perpetuating the cycle of frenetic consumerism. Despite occasional forays into these realms, it's pivotal to acknowledge the environmental toll and contemplate a shift towards a more conscientious approach to clothing consumption.

Source:- DW

Further expounding upon your additional insights, the mass production frenzy intensifies during prominent sales events, such as the shopping bonanza from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. This exacerbates the strain on materials, emphasizing the finite nature of these resources. The aftermath is a surplus of unused or discarded items, contributing to the overarching dilemma of waste management. Moreover, the prevailing consumer habit of neglecting repairs for overworn or broken items amplifies the throwaway culture that permeates contemporary fashion.

In light of these challenges, embracing a perspective that views clothes as durable rather than disposable emerges as a poignant solution. Encouraging the meticulous upkeep of high-quality goods, fostering the concept of second-hand use, and promoting the longevity of garments collectively herald a more sustainable and responsible path within the labyrinth of the fast fashion landscape.

Source:- Fashionista