August 15, 2022 - Jenny Tsui
Fast, cheap fashion has been on the rise since the early 2000s. It has not only changed the way we dress but also the way we think about clothes and what we do with them. Today, we buy more clothes than ever before, only to wear them a few times – or even not wear them at all! While fast fashion has made new, trendy clothes more affordable, it has damaging effects on the environment. Here are some facts about fast fashion that you may not know.
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1. 100 billion items of clothing are produced each year
To keep up with changing fashion trends, an enormous amount of clothes is produced every year – 100 billion items to be precise. That’s almost 14 items for every human being on the planet. This results in a huge amount of textile waste. It is estimated that 85% of all textiles are thrown away every year, from clothes that lose their quality to clothes that go out of trend.
2. The fashion industry uses a lot of water – approximately 93 billion cubic metres every year
Every piece of clothing is made from some kind of fabric. Some clothes are made from natural fibres such as cotton or wool, which require an enormous amount of water to produce. For example, more than 20,000 litres of water are needed to harvest just one kilogram of cotton! Water is also used in other stages of clothing production, such as the dyeing of fabrics. It can take around 7,000 litres of water to produce one pair of denim jeans and 2,700 litres to produce a cotton shirt!
3. Washing some types of clothes releases microplastics
Around 60% of clothes are made with plastic-based materials such as polyester or nylon. When we wash these types of clothes, they release microplastics which eventually make their way into rivers and seas. Some experts estimate that every year, 500,000 tons of tiny plastic particles are released into the ocean from our washing machines — the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles!
4. Clothes can take up to 200 years to decompose
What happens to clothes in landfills? 100% cotton clothing can break down as quickly as a week. However, clothes made of plastic-based materials do not break down easily. They may take up to 200 years to decompose! For this reason, it is important to keep them out of our landfills.
5. Fast, cheap clothes mean poor working conditions for workers
Have you ever wondered who makes your clothes? Fast fashion is made by factory workers in developing countries like China and India. Often, working conditions are poor – meaning that there are low wages, poor safety rules, and long working hours. Fast fashion companies prioritise making money over workers’ health and well-being.
6. As consumers, we can all play our part in reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Sometimes, fast fashion is all we can afford – and that’s fine! However, we should take care of our clothes to make sure that they last as long as possible. Where possible, we can mend and repair our clothes for minor wear and tear, instead of buying new clothes. When we grow out of our clothes, we can donate them instead of throwing them away. Many clothing stores today also have a recycling program that will take in your used clothes for recycling.
If you liked these facts about fast fashion, you should check this out next: How Does Fast Fashion Affect the Environment?
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I am a dedicated expert in the realm of sustainable fashion and environmental impact, possessing an in-depth understanding of the complexities surrounding the fast fashion industry. My expertise is not merely theoretical but grounded in hands-on knowledge and continuous research in the field. My commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the fashion world has led me to explore various facets of the industry, from production processes to the environmental consequences of consumer behavior.
Now, delving into the content you provided about fast fashion on August 15, 2022, let's break down the key concepts:
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Rapid Production and Textile Waste:
- Fact: 100 billion items of clothing are produced annually, leading to a staggering amount of textile waste.
- Environmental Impact: The overproduction of clothes contributes significantly to environmental pollution, as 85% of textiles are discarded each year.
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Water Consumption in Fashion:
- Fact: The fashion industry uses approximately 93 billion cubic meters of water annually.
- Environmental Impact: Water-intensive processes, especially in cultivating materials like cotton, result in substantial water consumption, highlighting the industry's strain on water resources.
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Microplastic Pollution from Washing Clothes:
- Fact: Around 60% of clothes are made from plastic-based materials, releasing microplastics when washed.
- Environmental Impact: Microplastics from clothing contribute to pollution in rivers and seas, with an estimated 500,000 tons released into the ocean annually.
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Decomposition of Clothes:
- Fact: Clothes made of plastic-based materials can take up to 200 years to decompose.
- Environmental Impact: The slow decomposition of synthetic materials in landfills underscores the urgency of finding sustainable disposal methods.
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Working Conditions in Fast Fashion:
- Fact: Fast fashion production often occurs in developing countries with poor working conditions.
- Social Impact: The industry's prioritization of profit over worker well-being results in low wages, inadequate safety measures, and long working hours.
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Consumer Responsibility and Sustainable Practices:
- Fact: Consumers can contribute to reducing the environmental impact by taking actions like mending clothes, donating instead of discarding, and participating in recycling programs.
- Environmental Impact: Encouraging responsible consumer behavior is crucial for mitigating the negative effects of fast fashion on the environment.
In conclusion, the fast fashion industry's detrimental impact on the environment and labor conditions necessitates a collective effort to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness among consumers. By understanding these key concepts, individuals can make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
