FAST FASHION

Fast fashion is the sale of inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to latest trends. It is one of the most polluting industries in the world, being responsible for 10% of carbon emissions, emitting more than all international flights and maritime shipping COMBINED. If the industry continues to produce at the same rate, its emissions will have grown 50% by 2030.

Furthermore, the industry dumps untreated wastewaters from textiles directly into rivers harming ecosystems, wildlife, and the people who depend on these rivers for “clean” water. 20% of industrial water pollution comes from the textile industry.

It takes up to 200 litres of water to make a tshirt and 700 litres for a pair of jeans. The cultivation of cotton around the world has had devastating ecological consequences to the environment such as desertification of the Aral sea, deforestation and soil degradation.

It is extremely harmful to the environment to buy from e-commerce fast fashion companies like SHEIN and aliexpress, that put up over 500 new pieces of clothing daily made with extremely polluting and cheap fabrics like polyester and nylon. These massive amounts of clothing often end up in landfills, along with 57% of discarded clothing from households.

It is clear that we can not keep buying from fast fashion companies if we want to save our planet. Remember, there is no supply without demand. Here’s how you can help:

• Buy pre-used, upcycled clothing from charity shops

• Stay away from fast-fashion companies (e-commerce websites like SHEIN; retailers like h&m)

• Buy better quality clothes from independent creators that will last longer

• Participate in clothes swaps