Unveiling Fashion’s Hidden Truth: The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion and Affordable Clothing – Insights from The Arizona State Press

When I look at my packed closet, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. Clothes hang haphazardly, from sparkly tops to dresses and countless t-shirts I haven’t worn in ages. Under my bed lies a bin filled with outdated styles, teasing me with memories of trends long gone. My phone buzzes with shopping carts from sites like Amazon and Shein, tempting me to buy even more. The pressure of choices and excess weighs heavy; will this endless cycle of consumption ever stop?

Clothing is now a huge part of our lives, shaping how we see ourselves and how we affect the world around us. Yet, staring at this pile of fabric, I question if we can shift toward a more sustainable wardrobe.

The fast fashion industry, which includes brands like ZARA and Shein, is responsible for over half of global clothing sales, amounting to about $150 billion. While these affordable options seem enticing, they contribute majorly to environmental issues. This industry is the second-largest water consumer, trailing only agriculture, and creates around 10% of global carbon emissions. For example, producing a single pair of jeans can use around 7,600 liters of water. Fast fashion’s rapid production cycles leave landfills overflowing; in 2018 alone, 11.3 million tons of textile waste ended up there.

Deborah Young, a fashion professor, emphasizes the industry’s responsibility: “We are the second-most damaging industry after oil.” As populations grow, we’ll face increasing water shortages, so the fashion industry must reassess its water usage.

Some brands are making strides towards sustainability, like Gap and Nike, with plans to adopt greener practices. But what exactly does “sustainable production” mean? In simple terms, it’s about making clothes while minimizing environmental harm. Unfortunately, many companies find it expensive to shift to these practices, leaving sustainable options a challenge to implement widely.

Polyester, a common fabric, keeps the industry thriving due to its low cost but creates significant pollution. Its popularity surged after the 1950s, allowing for mass production while ignoring the environmental costs. The result? High CO2 emissions and microplastics polluting our waters.

Consumer culture in America fuels fast fashion’s rise. The average family spends around $1,700 annually on clothing, while each person discards about 68 pounds of clothing each year. Social media platforms often push short-lived trends, making us feel like we need to buy more. As Anna Melkozernova, a professor of textile production, points out, we’ve created an issue of overconsumption, stressing quality over quantity.

Retailers are beginning to acknowledge the need for change. Some, like Coach with their “(Re)Loved” program, are encouraging customers to extend the life of their clothing instead of continuously buying new items. Others, like Free People, are starting to highlight eco-friendly products. However, significant systemic changes are needed for lasting impact.

Another challenge is greenwashing, where brands claim to be eco-friendly without making real changes. Big names like H&M and Shein have faced criticism for this deceptive practice. As Jill Stein points out, many remain unaware of the fashion industry’s harmful effects on the environment. Regulations are necessary to hold companies accountable for their sustainability claims.

It’s easy to assume luxury brands are more sustainable, but they sometimes rely on harmful practices too. Some brands destroy unsold stock to maintain exclusivity, wasting considerable resources. True sustainability means prioritizing ethical labor and responsible sourcing.

So, will the fashion industry ever change? While the demand for fast fashion isn’t disappearing, increasing awareness and consumer preferences for sustainable options can help foster change. If buyers prioritize eco-friendly products and governments impose stricter regulations, we may finally start to shift the industry toward a better future.

Looking back at my overflowing closet, I can’t help but wonder: Will we ever break this cycle of endless buying, or are we doomed to keep chasing every new trend?

Edited by Andrew Dirst, Alysa Horton, and Natalia Jarrrett.