Before you hit the mall this holiday season, (as I already did on black Friday,) it’s important to think about how to be a more conscious consumer. Lately, I’ve been fixated on this topic and how the fashion industry is finally making an effort to become more sustainable. It’s crucial that shoppers understand the power they have on the industry; not to guilt trip anyone, but how you shop matters! For those who are just getting into the movement or aren’t sure what it means to shop sustainably, let this be your guide to understanding the effects of “fast fashion”, how you can help, and why you conscious consuming is important.
How Fast Fashion Affects Our World:
There’s a reason why fast fashion works: trends are able to go from runway, to retail, to consumers incredibly quickly and at a conveniently cheap price. But, it’s the effects of this process that hurt our environment. To put it in perspective, the fashion industry is right behind the oil industry in being the world’s second-largest polluter. Not to mention, one in six people work in the global fashion industry and most garment workers earn less than $3 a day. The appeal of cheap, trendy clothing is understandable, but cheap labor comes at a high cost to society.
Tips to Start Making a Change:
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to cut down on fast fashion, and it’s not as hard to give up as you may think. One of the first things to do is make yourself aware of which stores are the worst offenders. This includes Zara, Forever 21, and H&M for various reasons, including the low wages they give their employees, copied designs with no credit given to creators, and poor working conditions for those who make their products. A great way to avoid these types of stores is to search in consignment shops, thrift stores, and on resale apps when trying to get your hands on a new trend. Also, keep in mind that being a sustainable shopper can simply mean shopping less by taking care of your clothes and wearing them longer. Investing in higher quality clothing can go a long way in keeping textile waste to a minimum.
The Importance of Doing Your Part:
If you’re wondering what one person can do to slow down the problem, the answer is a lot! The decisions that fashion brands make all come down to what consumers ask for. If the industry is driven by shoppers only looking for low prices, a store will do whatever it takes to cater to the demand and survive as a company. Every little effort you make as a consumer to be more mindful towards what you’re contributing to sends a signal to companies that their customers want to do better, and the company should too.
It’s time to stop the trend of paying too little for too many clothes! By figuring out your own style and knowing what you actually have in your closet, you can be a leader in keeping fashion from being a disposable product.