Your guide to underconsumption core
Fast fashion is a global business model that rapidly produces and sells inexpensive clothing that aligns with the latest fashion trends. Brands like Shein, Temu, H&M, Forever 21 and TikTok Shop some of the many fast fashion brands that dominate our social media feeds. The garment industry accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions—this is more than the airlines and maritime shipping combined (Roosevelt Institute). Not only is fast fashion environmentally damaging, but it often involves unethical working conditions; workers are severely underpaid and the working conditions are often dangerous and unhealthy because of an industry-wide effort to reduce production costs (Earth Org). Fast fashion is a direct result of the globalization of capitalism. The modern culture of social media and overconsumption, especially in the United States, fuels the fast fashion industry, and therefore its damaging effects on human lives and our global environment.
1. Support organizations and leaders that fight for policy and systemic change in the textile industry
Unfortunately the plights of the fast fashion industry cannot be effectively eliminated by thrifting and sustainable shopping practices alone. Policy changes are essential in invigorating systematic change. We need to adjust and reconfigure the system that allows unjust and unsustainable models of consumption to take place on such widespread scales.
Vote for political leaders advocating for sustainable and ethical consumption models. And, vote with your dollar by buying from quality clothing companies that prioritize sustainable sourcing and production.
2. BUY LESS THINGS
The best way to combat fast fashion individually is to reduce all kinds of consumption all together. Consumption is ingrained in our culture and habits. We are taught that consumption brings happiness and success. We are taught that buying is why we work so hard. We are reminded that we are uncool, stagnant beings if we do not consistently consume. We use consumption as a burst of dopamine to distract us from our fears, sorrows and pains. It is hard to unravel these thoughts and feelings and even harder to break the cycle. But, consumption is not the answer.
Prioritizing intentionality in my life helps me combat the lure of consumption. When you are picking out an item you want, think about what went into making it. A cotton shirt for example: the cotton was harvested by a human with joys, dreams and loves. It was picked from a vast field and then cleaned to remove seeds. A human was operating the cleaning machine, watching as the seeds parted from their fluffy beds of cotton. Then, the cotton was spun into yarn. The fluffy fibers that once swayed in the breeze are combed, blended and separated until they are knit on a loom to form a grey fabric. The once beautifully white fuzz is treated with dyes and chemicals; the fabric is “finished” with desired softness and texture. Then the cotton travels a great distance to be sewed. Many people are involved in the transportation of the cotton. Many human hands touch, lift and push the carts that home the cotton. At the sewing facility, the cotton is cut and the excess discarded onto the concrete floors. Hands that have held babies, grasped fruit, rubbed eyes awake, stitched the cotton to form a t-shirt. Maybe the needle punctured their fingertip, dispelling hot, red blood. Then the cotton is packaged again, shipped far far away, moved into a store, hung on the shelf, touched by browsers and tried on by you. Each item is connected to so many people. These real breathing people allowed you to hold that cotton t-shirt. Energy was put into creating that cotton t-shirt—will you do it service?
3. BUY SECONDHAND
We all need clothes though and fashion is fun, expressive and creative! It does bring joy into many lives, I know it does for me. Shop secondhand! Buy things that already exist. I find secondhand shopping to be more of an event, which makes it so fun! I like to shop atThredUp, Depop, local vintage shops, thrift stores and rummage sales. It’s cheaper, a far more unique selection than Shein and is better for the environment. A win, win, win. Obviously sometimes buying secondhand is not an option for some items. Then, try to shop from brands that are conscious about sustainability and that do not promote unethical practices.
Overall, it’s all about being mindful with every item you buy. Buy items that are meaningful to you. It’s better for your wallet, our planet and your heart! Even little actions matter because a bunch of little ripples can create great waves of change!
Sources:
- Makers Row – referenced to inform cotton t-shirt production explanation