As human beings, people have learned to use clothing to protect themselves from the harsh climates of the world. However, as time passed, clothing became more than just a necessity. It became a form of expression to show people who you are without saying a word. In today’s society, people use clothing as a status symbol. The better the clothes, the higher the status. This is where fast fashion comes in.
Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is a term used to describe the quick turnover of designs by fashion houses and retailers. This means that new trends are constantly being introduced, and outdated ones are quickly forgotten. As a result, people are regularly buying new clothes to keep up with the latest trends. While this may seem like a good thing, it’s hurting both people and the environment.
This fashion is responsible for over 20% of the wastewater worldwide. Furthermore, it’s the second most polluting industry in the world, only behind oil. The dyes and chemicals used to produce these clothes are highly harmful to the environment. They pollute air and water and hurt the health of people and animals.
In addition to harming the environment, fast fashion is also responsible for exploiting workers. In countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam, people are paid very little to work long hours in poor conditions. As a result, they often can’t afford necessities like food and shelter. Moreover, they’re at risk of being injured or even killed due to the dangerous conditions in which they work.
So what can you do to help? Below are some options.
Preserve Your Clothes
You should do your best to preserve the clothes you buy. One way to do this is by getting an experienced dry cleaner to clean your clothes.
Dry cleaning has been known to be more effective than washing clothes in a washing machine. If you must wash your clothes at home, read the labels first. Different fabrics require different types of care. For example, delicates should be washed in cool water on a gentle cycle, and white denim can be washed in hot water on a regular cycle.
In addition to proper laundering, you should also take care of your clothes by storing them properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This will help prevent fading and damage.
Invest in Higher Quality Clothing
It’s better to have fewer pieces of higher quality clothing than a closet full of cheap clothes that fall apart after a few wears. It’s how fast fashion profits, and it’s how fast fashion is affecting the world. When buying clothing, look for well-made items that will last you a long time. You can tell if the clothes are well-made by looking at the stitching. If it’s done well, it will be tight and even. Furthermore, higher-quality clothes are usually made from better materials. Natural fibers like cotton and wool are a good choice.
Shop Secondhand
One of the best ways to save money and reduce environmental impact is to shop secondhand. You can find great deals on clothing someone else no longer wants or needs. There are many places to buy secondhand clothing, such as consignment shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces.
When shopping secondhand, inspect the clothing for any damage before you buy it. You don’t want to end up with something you can’t wear. Also, try on the clothing to see if it fits appropriately.
You can also donate any clothes you no longer wear to a secondhand store. This way, someone else can enjoy them.
Support Brands that are Ethical and Sustainable
There are many brands out there that are sustainable and ethical. When shopping, look for brands that use sustainable materials, pay their workers fair wages, and have transparent supply chains.
Some examples of sustainable brands are Everlane, Patagonia, and Reformation. In addition, many secondhand stores sell clothes that are sustainably sourced. Buying secondhand clothing is a great way to save money and the environment.
Educate Yourself and Others about Fast Fashion
The more people know about the problems with fast fashion, the more likely they will make changes in their lives. Educate yourself about the issues to make informed choices about the clothing you buy. You can also share what you’ve learned with friends and family. The more people who know about fast fashion’s problems, the better.
Fast fashion is destroying the world, but thankfully, you can do something about it. Following the tips above can help save the world from fast fashion. Doing this can help you save money and prepare the world for a better tomorrow.
