I have an affinity for outrageous outfits. An oversized gray crewneck and knee high socks covered in fries with my favorite ankle booties is my definition of a lazy outfit. While I'd love to say I create my own clothes, the truth is that I shop and I shop a lot.
However, the places that I shop at haven't all been so great. H&M, Forever21, Charlotte Russe, Zara, and several other brands take part in fast fashion. Fast fashion is when trends from the catwalk make their way into stores quickly. This practice is unethical for numerous reasons.
First, it's terrible for the environment. Because people go shopping and buy things for a cheap price, they feel like they can just toss out their garments when they no longer like them or want them. And no, I don't mean donate, I mean literally throw into the trash. In the US alone, each person on average throws out 70 pounds of textiles. This number is only predicted to grow larger and larger as fast fashion brands expand their enterprise. So, instead, try donating to a thrift store or charity. However, make sure to do your research before you donate because some of your clothes might not go where you think they will.
While everyone may love cotton, it really does take up a lot of resources. It demands for lots of water and chemicals. A place that exemplifies this is the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan. Because Uzbekistan produces so much cotton, two rivers that come from the Aral Sea were redirected to provide water for these cotton fields. Unfortunately, it drained the sea, over-salinated it, fisheries failed, and the water was poisoned due to the chemicals in the fields. While this may be an extreme case, it clearly shows how the high demand for cotton goes hand in hand with the destruction of the natural environment.
Dyes are also bad for the environment. Dyes use trillions of fresh water a year and create wastewater. This water is dumped into nearby rivers and other water supplies. It not only poisons the humans that use the water, but also the wildlife who are dependent on the well-being of the ecosystem.
How do you think most of these clothes are made? They sure as heck weren't made by well-paid, well-treated workers. No, many of the clothes you see on the racks of your favorite megastores are made by poorly-paid and poorly-treated workers. There is no way that an ethically made article of clothing could cost $5. So many of the clothes in these stores cost so little, and the only way that could happen is with the little pay and over production in factories overseas.
Honestly, that cute dress or those to-die-for jeans that cost $10 are probably terrible quality. They're quickly made to keep up with the ever-changing trends in the fashion world. Because of this, they fall apart quickly and you feel the need to go out and buy more clothes. In the end, you're spending way more money than you originally intended. Might as well pick up that better quality sweater that costs a bit more.
So, the next time you are drooling over that $5 sweater, think twice about purchasing it.
