The Price of Fast Fashion

Fashion is one of the best methods of allowing the world to know exactly who you are as a person. There’s much fun involved since you could wear loud, whimsical prints, or monochromatic outfits. This avenue of expression is indulged in and enjoyed by many. However, fast fashion specifically, which allows everyone to access the latest trends at a relatively low price, has done more damage than good. For decades scientists have informed the public about climate change, but never mentioned how our clothing is a large contributor to it. 

“Fast fashion is detrimental to society,” fashion enthusiast senior Mia Baldovino says. “ If we don’t stop soon we will be suffocating in the very polyester, cotton, and carbon emissions that we overproduced ourselves.”

From a consumer’s perspective polyester is great since it takes less water to produce. Large corporations will often green-wash items containing polyester by emphasizing exactly that, but what they fail to mention is that it pollutes water in the washing machine. Ending continuous consumerism practice, especially for teenagers who don’t want to be perceived as outdated, is difficult. But it is crucial to realize that a cute outfit isn’t worth the death of nature. Baldovino learned this after her freshman year. Now she tries to thrift clothing and uses old clothes longer. With these techniques, emissions from the products are lessened. 

The fashion industry is ever-growing and people always want to keep up with the newest trends. But at what cost is having new clothes ethical?

“Thrifting gives an element of surprise” Baldovino adds “You never know what you’re gonna find.”

While thrifting doesn’t completely eliminate water pollution, it still is eco-friendly since it’s reducing waste. 

“I honestly like fast fashion since it’s so cheap,” said Senior Kayla No.“Although I don’t care much for environmental issues, I do understand it’s a big contributor to carbon emissions and work labor.” 

In 2018, the UN stated that the fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. But due to the high demand for fast fashion, this number is predicted to increase up to 60% by 2030. With this, workers in developing nations will continue to be exploited for clothes, and the air and water quality will become even more unsanitary. Resuming frequent purchases, particularly when it comes to fast fashion, shows support for the aforementioned.

But No argues “People still need their jobs, even at the low cost– I just hope they will have more rights.” 

“It will be hard to get rid of fast fashion completely,” Baldovino concedes. “But I believe that at this day and age, and the craving our generation has for change, we can accomplish it.”

Getting back into the social world after COVID-19 prompted a lot of personal change and growth throughout society, especially teens wanting to find their style. Consumers should have the knowledge, or at least try to gain the knowledge, of what the price of fast fashion is.