Fast Fashion-Its social and economical impact and how you can help
- Hayley Baines
- Jan 23, 2016
- 3 min read
Fashion is the second most waste producing industry in the world just under oil. Why? Trends come out constantly making clothes that were most likely only recently bought suddenly outdated. The term for this is fast fashion and it is having a devastating impact on the lives of the factory workers who make these clothes and a huge economical impact. It makes its consumer (that's you) feel like they are wealthy as clothes are a lot cheaper then they used to be thanks to the 'primark effect'. The result of buying into this trend is that clothes then end up being placed in the back of your wardrobe never to be seen again only to then be replaced by more 'outdated' clothes. How can we make fashion more socially and economically friendly? Simply by using the 3 r's-reduce, reuse and recycle.
Buying eco-friendly clothes-Clothes made from organic cotton or organic fabrics mean that pesticides have not been used to make them and these pesticides have harmful effects on the worlds atmosphere. Go organic!
Did you know it takes 2 liters of water to make one cotton t-shirt!
Buying clothes/accsesories that will last-Buying the cheapest top or pair of shoes won't necessarily always pay off. It could leave you with having to buy a number of them over the year due to poor manufacturing and quality. Instead invest your money into something you really like that is versatile so you can use it regularly and get a good number of years out of it. It will lead to you reducing how much you shop. Just remember to keep the receipt! Money doesn't always mean quality so do your research beforehand and check the return date.
Charity shops- Charity shops are a great way to get clothes for a fraction of its original price, all for a good cause! Both donating old clothes to charity shops as well as buying from charity shops helps. Many a times I've even found named brands in charity shops, its all about having a really good look and checking out different charity shops.
Upcycling old clothes-If you like me are any good at making your own clothes then this should be great for you. If you have a old piece of clothing that perhaps has a stain on or something that means you don't want to give it to the charity shop but feel bad throwing it away then try upcycling it. For instance a dress could easily be turned into a skirt. Let your imagination go wild with all the ideas you could change it into.
Buying clothes in the sale- The top shown in the picture above was bought in the sale. I feel that sales are simply for clothes that are out of season, it has nothing to do with no longer being in fashion as fashion is constantly going back to old trends, styles, textures and patterns. In fact I asked a local retail shop what happens to sale items if they are not sold. The answer was they are sent back to the stock room only to come back later at the original price. So during sale time take advantage of the bargains on sale and stock up for next year.
Vintage shops-Vintage shops such as snoopers paradise and beyond retro are great places to shop. Nearly all of there clothes are vintage clothing. So in other words, like a charity shop but filled with awesome clothes for different eras. I love experimenting with my fashion and the fashion from different eras and I've found really nice clothing in there many times.
I hope this as encouraged you to shop more socially and economically friendly while also saving yourself some money. For more information on fast fashion check out the documentary 'The true cost' which is available on Netflix and to buy on YouTube.
Hayley x
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