Our country seems to have its goals focused on functionality for the consumer. In general, Americans like things cheap and easy. When it comes to fashion, however, the outsourcing of clothing manufacturing has lead to outlandish work conditions overseas. For most of us, these issues are out of sight, out of mind -- because we do not know that they are occurring.

Ignorance to these conditions causes unbelievable losses to those individuals that work to produce our must have look of the season. In an alarming amount of cases, it is not just a ridiculously low salary; it is their lives.

The same people who sew together our "this season's must have kimonos," "going out" dresses, the $20 top you bought for a steal, and that romper that was just perfect and affordable are dying at the hands of the companies and stores we religiously buy clothes at. H&M, Gap, Target, Forever21, TopShop... the list goes on. There is a reason for this affordability of fast fashion -- the cost is not affecting us. It is affecting those who make these items due to salaries one cannot live off of, child labor, and unsafe working conditions that lead to fires and other preventable work place conditions that were banned in 1911 in the United States.

Yet in places like China and Bangladesh, these work place laws are not enacted, causing horrific instances of fires at these garment factories. In one of these fires, 112 workers died due to the insatiable appetite of western culture for affordable, trendy clothing and our overall unawareness to the topic.

Now, being a college student myself, I am not saying throw away all your new Forever 21 steals: simply think before you purchase. We all know that most of the clothing we buy at these types of stores are seasonal and most likely wont last until the next year before falling apart anyway. But everyone loves a bargain, and it is hard to resist that crop top that would look so cute with those shorts you own. However, try and think about who it is really costing. You may be out a mere $20, but the person who made that item may be only making a few cents per hour.

Also, many of these brands are simply ripping off big name designers, stealing their ideas and collections that are their livelihood. While it may seem like that is a good alternative on a budget, think of how many items in your closet you do not ever wear or even look at anymore. Now, I know it is not reasonable to go out and buy Gucci, Fendi, Marc Jacobs or any designer name when you are trying to figure out how to scrap up the money to buy dollar tacos, but there are other alternatives like Helpsy, Shop Ethica, Zady, and Accompany that offer stylish, ethical options to fill your wardrobe at a reasonable cost.

Next time you are on the look out for something new to wear out, try a different route. Check your local thrift stores, vintage vendors (like the WonderShop here in WIlmington!), and do your research on where companies actual make their clothing.

And try to remember, #FuckFastFashion. You won't have any cool vintage items to pass down to your kids one day if you don't!