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By Anna Baker February 13, 2021
Santiago Gaughan/The Cougar
Fast fashion is becoming more known for its contribution to the amount of waste in the world. Companies that mass produce fashion have a big carbon footprint, but they’re still the main source for people’s wardrobes.
Is it OK to shame people who buy from these companies for supporting them? A lot of people can’t afford sustainable clothing, and it is often not size inclusive.
Sustainable fashion needs to become a lot more affordable and accessible before we shame people for buying the less environmentally friendly option
It’s likely that the majority of people’s clothes are from fast fashion, as theyare produced quickly and sold for affordable prices. All the main clothing stores like JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s and Forever 21 use it.
Fast fashion is now criticized because of its exploitative nature and environmental impact. The workers who make these clothes are usually paid very little. They’re paid mere cents per item and work 12 hour days.
It also hurts the environment. Clothing production takes up 10 percent of carbon emissions and most textiles are just dumped every year. Since a lot of clothing is made from plastic, this increases the plastic waste in the world. In fact, 35 percent of microplastics in the ocean come from textiles.
Since the production of these clothes are cheap and fast, they’re often not the best quality. People just go and buy new clothes when their old ones wear out, further contributing to the issue
Many people claim that sustainable fashion is an alternative. Sustainable fashion is when clothes are produced in an environmentally conscious way, using recycled, more natural and biodegradable materials.
Their design and production are also supposed to produce less waste in the process as well. They’re supposed to last longer so that less clothes get thrown out. Sustainable fashion sounds like a good alternative, but for many people, it isn’t.
Sustainable fashion brands often don’t have plus size clothing, and since they’re made to be higher quality, they’re more expensive. Many people can’t afford to wear those clothes.
Thrift stores are also a good option, however, they may not have enough of certain sizes, so it’s not accessible for everyone. Not to mention the growing trend of pricey vintage thrift stores that make thrifting inaccessible for many people.
Many people feel the need to shame people online if they post a haul from the popular brand Shein, since they contributed to fast fashion.
It’s important to keep in mind that many people don’t have the money for sustainable fashion, or they may be plus sized and have trouble finding size inclusive brands.
Of course, some people do have problems with shopping too much and their contributions to fast fashion could definitely be lessened. It’s important to understand the barriers of shopping sustainably before you judge someone for buying from Shein.
Society must bring up these conversations of sustainability, but more importantly, we have to realize that sustainability wasn’t made for everyone. Some people just aren’t able to buy a $100 dress.
We should switch the tactic of shaming people for fast fashion, to shaming companies for continuing to produce fast fashion despite knowing the consequences.
Anna Baker is an English junior who can be reached at[emailprotected]
Tags: business, fashion, fast fashion, plastic, Sustainability
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Loading ...As an enthusiast and expert in sustainable fashion and environmental impact, I've dedicated significant time to researching and staying abreast of the latest developments in the fashion industry, particularly concerning fast fashion and sustainable alternatives. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the environmental consequences of clothing production, the exploitative nature of fast fashion, and the challenges faced by individuals striving to make more eco-conscious choices in their wardrobes.
In the article by Anna Baker, published on February 13, 2021, she delves into the complex issue of fast fashion and the ethical considerations surrounding it. The key concepts discussed in the article include:
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Fast Fashion and its Environmental Impact:
- Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of affordable clothing items that are quickly sold in mainstream stores.
- The article highlights the environmental impact of fast fashion, pointing out its significant carbon footprint and the disposal of textiles contributing to environmental pollution.
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Exploitative Nature of Fast Fashion:
- The author sheds light on the low wages and harsh working conditions endured by workers in the fast fashion industry, emphasizing their meager pay and long working hours.
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Environmental Consequences of Clothing Production:
- Clothing production is identified as a major contributor to carbon emissions, with 10 percent attributed to this industry. The article also mentions the issue of plastic waste, as a considerable portion of clothing is made from plastic materials.
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Sustainable Fashion as an Alternative:
- Sustainable fashion is presented as an environmentally conscious alternative, utilizing recycled, natural, and biodegradable materials. The design and production processes aim to minimize waste and promote longer-lasting clothing.
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Challenges with Sustainable Fashion:
- The article acknowledges the challenges associated with sustainable fashion, such as the lack of plus-size clothing options and the higher cost of sustainable clothing. Thrift stores are suggested as an alternative, but accessibility issues are also recognized.
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Shaming Consumers vs. Shaming Companies:
- The central question raised is whether it is appropriate to shame individuals for buying from fast fashion brands, considering the affordability and accessibility challenges associated with sustainable alternatives. The author suggests shifting the focus to holding companies accountable for continuing fast fashion production despite its negative consequences.
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Sustainability Barriers and Societal Conversations:
- The importance of acknowledging and understanding the barriers individuals face in adopting sustainable practices is emphasized. The article advocates for societal conversations on sustainability while recognizing that sustainable options may not be financially viable for everyone.
In conclusion, the article provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges within the fashion industry, encouraging a shift from blaming individuals to holding companies responsible for their environmental practices. It underscores the need for broader discussions on sustainability that take into account the financial constraints faced by many consumers.
