The fast fashion industry continues to persuade people with their current trendy clothing items; however, it comes at a cost. Fast fashion can be described as clothing cheaply produced in mass quantities to meet the current fashion trends.
Many of these clothes are made from synthetic fibres which are non-recyclable. Synthetic fibres can include Polyester, Nylon, Rayon, and Spandex. Synthetic fibres are cheaper to produce compared to sustainable fibres such as cotton. Using synthetic fibres also greatly impacts the environment due to being produced from fossil fuels such as oil and gas.
There use in the fast fashion industry contribute to the majority of these companies’ carbon footprint. The fashion industry contributes to 10 per cent of all carbon emissions in the world.
What are some ways fast fashion companies can reduce their footprint?
There are ways fast fashion companies can be more sustainable. Anna Forrest is a Toronto Metropolitan University Fashion Design student. “I find brands, have to start from the source, so it’s where they’re getting their products, and how they’re manufacturing their products, and then leading it into the consumer base and the way they promote and (bring) transparency to their customers.” says Forest.
What are ways consumers can reduce their carbon footprint?
Consumers should focus on what clothing items are made of before purchasing to see if they’re made from sustainable resources or synthetic fibres.
“Trying to make sure what your products are made of is a very important part. Trying to avoid those mixed polyesters and plastic fabrics will definitely help the longevity of your clothing, and following the tag on your clothing can also be a good way to keep that longevity” says Forest.
Deidra Joely, a Social Service Worker student at Lambton College talked about how she contributes to more sustainable fashion practices. “Having yard sales to get rid of my old clothes, also giving away clothes to younger family members who would like them. For example, I’ve given my niece some clothes that she could use that I no longer fit or wear anymore. Also shopping at the thrift store” She says.
Despite fast fashion relying on synthetic fibres and mass production, people are still opting to consume popular brands such as Shein, and Forever 21. According to a documentary called, The True Cost, released in 2015, the world consumes 80 billion new pieces of clothing each year. In 2018, the textile industry produced 1.2 billion tonnes annually and is expected to rise more than 60 per cent by 2030.
The mass production within these companies continues to greatly impact the environment. However, with possible alternatives, there is a chance companies and consumers can reduce their carbon footprint.
