The world of fast fashion emerged with the goal of making cheap, trendy clothing easily accessible and quickly replaceable. And it’s true – fast fashion brands like Forever 21 and H&M conveniently make staying on top of the latest styles simple. Not to mention addictive. Why wouldn’t you buy a cute skirt that doesn’t break the bank? And when that skirt goes out of style just toss it on to the next, right? Think again. The fast fashion market’s rapid production of the hottest new styles at low costs may seem like a win-win, but we can’t overlook the truth behind this harmful industry. The reality is fast fashion is a product of worker exploitation, water pollution, use of toxic chemicals and textile waste. The Huffington Post has revealed that the average American generates 82 pounds of textile waste a year, just by throwing out unwanted clothes. Check out the Huffington Post’s video about more of the social and environmental problems with fast fashion here.
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Fast fashion has made society think that having more clothes means having more style. Yet, we still find ourselves shuffling through our overflowing closet before we go out, complaining “Ugh I have nothing to wear!” We all need to take a seat and really think: is a growing collection of clothes that will be out of style in a few months actually useful? Is our need for instant gratification followed by our “on to the next” mentality worth the social and environmental costs? It’s time to switch up our fashion choices for the planet that we should all love and treat with respect.
Luckily, there are just as satisfying and more sustainable fashion options! Count your blessings; you can still maintain your shopping addiction while reducing waste and pollution by choosing to thrift shop. Buying clothing second-hand actually lets you spend way less money for more items in comparison to shopping fast fashion. I know, the act of going through people’s old clothes while not having one item come in like 18 different sizes may sound stressful. But I promise, it’s really exciting when you realize your style options are endless. You’ll no longer have to limit yourself to that one top from Brandy Melville that almost everyone you know owns because with thrift shopping, your finds will always be unique! And let’s be honest, nothing beats the feeling of when you find an awesome pair of Levi’s jeans for $15 that retails for $100.
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More sustainable and ethical fashion options are out there. Give it a try and see what it brings you!