By Kaarhunyaa, grade 11. Youth Advisory Committee member
Hello readers, my name is Kaarhunyaa and I am a part of the EcoSchools Youth Advisory Committee. I want to dive into a topic that is prevalent in our society today: the environmental impact of fast fashion and the urgent need to shift towards a more sustainable style.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the quick production of inexpensive clothing that mimics the latest trends seen across social media in the fashion industry. It includes rapid production of clothing at much cheaper prices. Fast fashion brands often prioritize speed and cost-efficiency over sustainability
(Rauterier, 2023).
How Fast Fashion Impacts Our Planet
Fast fashion has a drastic impact on our planet and the environment around us. Fast fashion especially contributes to pollution. The production of fast fashion clothing involves the use of lots of chemicals such as dyes, finishes, and synthetic fibers that can lead to water pollution. The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to pollution as the shedding of microfibers adds plastic waste to oceans and the use of polyester fabrics contributes to global warming (Rauterier, 2023).
Why We Should Adopt a More Sustainable Style
We should all adopt a more sustainable style as fast fashion results in the generation of tons of waste. It encourages the quick disposal of clothing after only a few uses. This leads to millions of clothing ending up in landfills every year (RoadRunner, 2021).
How do I avoid Fast Fashion?
In a generation where trends are quickly changing and emerging, many people turn to fast fashion as it is cheap and efficient. I try to avoid this by buying fewer, but high quality timeless pieces of clothing that will last for a long time. Also, when my family grows out of any clothes, we always give them to younger relatives or donate them to avoid throwing them out.
Ways We Can Make Sustainable Style Choices
● Support and buy from brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices.
● Buy second hand clothing to help reduce the demand for new clothing production that will fill landfills.
● Find timeless pieces that can be worn multiple ways and will last longer in your wardrobe.
As I conclude the exploration of the environmental impact of fast fashion and the need for sustainable style, I encourage every single one of you to reflect on the role that you have in shaping the future of fashion in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. From now on, I hope you consider the power of your purchasing decisions and the domino effect that they have on our planet.
Together, let’s continue to work towards a sustainable and greener future starting off from our everyday fashion choices.