We all love fast fashion retailers such as Forever21, H&M, and Zara (to only name a few), especially as broke college students in too-expensive Hawaii with part time jobs that don’t pay enough. I mean come on, who doesn’t want to find a good deal on clothes?
But that cute dress you got from H&M for $15 on your last shopping trip will probably wear out in less than a year. And trust me, you’re not going to fix it; you’re going to go buy a new one because we see fashion as disposable. By the time your dress has a hole, shrinks in the wash, or breaks a strap, a new trend will be in the stores and OC you’ll want it in your closet ASAP. So, that H&M dress will end up… where? Probably a landfill, because even if you donate it, only 10% of all those clothes get sold.
I know, unbelievable. Don’t believe me? Do a Google Image search of “fast fashion” and see what pops up. And the new dress you buy to replace it will end the same way. It’s a cycle that is affecting more than just your fashion choices. It’s affecting our planet.
On the other side of things, in the factories these garments are made, corners are cut to save money. But it’s often at the expense of the environment. It uses mass amounts of water to grow cotton, pesticides are used on plants, and textile dyes pollute water. But I’m not here to regurgitate facts for you. I’m just here to make you feel bad, give you some perspective and ways to change your habits.
As of late, a movement towards sustainable clothing has been on the rise. More retailers are looking at using recycled or plant based textiles. There is even an exhibit in Hamilton Library about textiles made from pineapple leaves. So, next time you go shopping, take a look at the label and think about buying clothes that are environmentally friendly. It’s an investment that will save the environment and maybe your closet too!