We know that fast fashion impacts humans and the environment negatively, but what exactly does it do?
The production of fast fashion compromises 10% of total global carbon emissions. Fast fashion dries up and pollutes crucial water sources such as rivers and streams. The fashion industry is the second largest consumer industry of water and textile dyeing is the world’s second-largest polluter of water. 700 gallons of water are required to produce one cotton shirt and 2000 gallons of water to produce one pair of jeans.
Also, fast fashion companies use synthetic fibers, which take hundreds of years to biodegrade. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reported in 2017 that 35% of all microplastics- tiny pieces of non-biodegradable plastic- in the ocean come from the laundering of synthetic textiles like polyester. The production of leather requires huge amounts of land, feed, fossil fuels, and water.
The chemicals used to tan leather are not biodegradable and contaminate water sources. Transforming plastic fibers into textiles requires huge amounts of petroleum and releases volatile particulate matter and acids.
Not only does fast fashion impact the environment, but it also impacts humans.
The non-profit Remake says that 80% of apparel is made by young women between the ages of 18 and 24. The US Department of Labor also reported evidence of forced child labor in the fashion industry in places such as Argentina, Brazil, China, India, and Turkey. The documentary, The True Cost, claims that one in six people work in some part of the global fashion industry, causing it to be the most labor-dependent industry. Fast fashion companies engage in unfair labor practices to keep production costs low and to increase the rate of production.
Also, a lack of regulation exposes millions of workers to hazardous work conditions causing workers to be prone to death. There are also many health dangers when working in fast fashion. The clothes are made from synthetic materials, which are produced using toxic chemicals and textile workers are the most exposed to these chemicals. Exposure to these toxins over a long time can increase the risk of getting cancer.
Sources