I know for many people fast fashion is the most affordable option, but for those in a position where they can choose: consider choosing products that are quality made, lasts much longer AND supports companies creating positive change. It might be little costlier but think of it as an investment into your future. The reason most fast fashion items are so cheap is due to the unfair low wages many workers are being paid and the very poor quality materials.
“nothing we use for a few minutes should pollute the environment for centuries”
Table of Contents
so what is fast fashion?
Fast fashion can be defined as the designing, creating or marketing of trendy clothes that are made from cheap materials as quickly and frequently as possible inorder to sell to consumers at an affordable price.
why is it bad?
Fast fashion is one of the most damaging industries both socially and environmentally. It is responsible for being the second largest consumer of our water supply, the second biggest CO2 producer, and generally the worlds largest polluter.
3,430,000,000,000 pounds of carbon dioxide are released every year from clothing production making the fashion industry the second biggest CO2 producer
Fast fashion is cheap for a reason. Garment factory workers often work in unsafe working conditions, work extremely long hours with very minimal pay, and sometimes abuse!
All of that just so you can get a cute trendy dress only to wear a couple times? SO NOT WORTH IT!
Below are so helpful tips to avoid buying into fast fashion, the fashion revolution is here and its here for slow, ethical fashion.
10 ways to avoid fast fashion:
1. buy less
Consider if it is a want or need before buying anything to avoid purchasing items you don’t need. Get out of the habit of boredom buying and your consumer mindset, find something else to focus on!
“it is estimated that 150 billion articles of clothing consumed each year- 85% of this purchased clothing ends up in landfills”
2. unsubscribe from taunting emails
Avoid being sucked in by the flashy offers and new products- out of sight, out of mind!
“BuT WhAt AbOuT aLl ThE DeAls fRoM eMaILs?” you don’t need those clothes anyway! You can find discount codes just by searching on google. Don’t create the demand for unethical products for unethical brands.
3. buy second hand
If you have the urge to get something new places like Depop, Poshmark, and Ebay all have gently used or even brand new offerings. Before buying something completely new, try to find it from a second hand site or thrift store first. This creates a circular economy and helps reduce the environmental impact and waste.
4. purchase items that are built to last
If you do want something new, choose to buy clothes from ethical brands that produce high quality clothing. It is better for you and the planet to buy less clothes and wear higher quality clothes.
The money you are saving buying those cheap clothes has long lasting effects on the earth, everything has a price. However, the money you save up to buy that nice quality item, will leave you with a feeling of gratitude last you a long time
5. learn to love what you already have
Find new ways to wear old clothes or spice them up with a new cut or tie dye. The most sustainable and money saving option is to buy nothing at all and repurpose your clothes!
6. do not focus on too many trends
Trends are every changing, it changes so much the wallet and planet cannot keep up with. Trying to keep up with too many trends will drain your wallet of cheap items you will probably only wear a couple times. Try creating a capsule wardrobe, a timeless wardrobe centered to your personal style, not on fast changing trends.
7. become a conscious consumer
A conscious consumer is someone who is aware of the negative effects of fashion and their consumption impacts society at large, and chooses to purchase items that adhere to particular guidelines. Actively try to encompass these values into your own life!
The “Good on You” app is a really convenient way to check out brand ratings and discover how ethical the brand is.
8. shop local + responsible
Shopping locally not only supports your local community and local workforce, it also reduces your environmental impact.
Remember that every dollar you spend is a cast for kind of world you want, do you want one that pairs fair wages to hardworking people or do you just want cheap clothes?
9. don’t fall for the greenwashing
Make sure to constantly ask questions, do your research, and buy from responsible brands. Examine the labels and the about of the companies, are they’re using RECYCLED water-bottles in their clothes or just water-bottles? There is a difference. Companies will intentionally leave out words or phrase things in a way to seem to imply more eco friendly habits.
Seek out the Fair Trade Certified seal to ensure that your products are coming from a company that shares your values.
10. inform yourself & share with others
The more aware and informed you are on what fast fashion is, what brands to avoid, and what brands are doing to create positive change, the easier it will be to share and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Pass that information with friends so that they can make better informed choices as well!
These were just a few ways to avoid the fast fashion industry, I hope it helps on your journey to a more sustainable wardrobe.