We all have been there, where we need something for a low-cost or staying on top trends. As accessible as it is, harming your health and the environment should not be put at risk for your fashion needs. Many of the fast-fashion brands primarily produce their clothing from polyester, rayon, elastane, and nylon.These fabrics cause environmental issues and health concerns for workers and people who purchase them.
Many fast-fashion brands like Zara, Temu, and Uniqlo, are primarily made from polyester. This fabric releases microfibers and microplastics, which can be inhaled when the item is washed or absorbed by your body while wearing it. The microfiber and microplastics can affect people’s lungs; this also leads to lung diseases by the people who are regularly exposed to these types of chemicals, resulting in asthma, cancer, and all long term diseases in your body. As people become more reliant on fast-fashion brands, the companies depend on the workers to complete orders. For example, in the article that is about Shien exploiting workers, reports that workers work in, “…poor conditions in Shein’s supplier factories were exposed, 75-hour working weeks are still the norm there,” this indicates that workers experience forced labor and are underpaid, earning $0.02-$0.04 per a garment!
In the factories, these workers spend the majority of their time and they face health risks because of toxic chemicals being released from items and polluting the environment they work in too. As a result, it’s bad for these workers to mass produce these products while working in inhumane conditions. It is bad for the environment and bad for the us, consumers, who choose to wear these clothes.
So how is it bad for the environment? As it was mentioned before, microplastics are released, the fabrics polluting the air, soil, and water can ultimately result in global warming as the production process of these clothes releases fumes in the air. This harms wildlife, as animals suffer because of plastic being discomposed in their environment. Fabrics like viscose, rayon, and cupro are products of wood pulp, which are made from trees. As more synthetic fabrics are needed, more trees are logged, which can lead to deforestation and an increase in pollution as the production of fabrics involves processing chemicals. The Landfills are filled with clothing items. It’s difficult for them to decompose because of harmful chemicals, and it’s a risk to plants that absorb toxic chemicals that could severely damage them.
What can we do?
- Purchasing less :
- As you purchase less,you save money that can be used for more important matters. For your closet, you work with what you have to create different outfits that you can wear for every occasion. This also helps to find value and gratitude for the items you already have.
- “Quality over quantity”:
- Create a timeless wardrobe, where you pre-order clothes or thrift. Buying from brands that create their clothes designed to last longer. The brands with quality could be more expensive than fast-fashion brands, but it’s about the impact they have on the economy, environment, and the health of our society.
- Recycling your clothes:
- Donation: Instead of throwing out your clothes, you could recycle them by donating to shelters, families, or friends that could use your clothes.
- Sell your clothes : Apps like eBay or Poshmark accept used clothing. It is a great way to make a profit from things you no longer need. Some brands like Zara or Lulemon allow customers to return their used clothes, for store credit!
As we step forward, we aim to build sustainability and create a better environment for the next generations.The future is in our hands, let’s make it happen Bulls!
If you like to read more about the brand Shein, click here: https://www.elle.com.au/fashion/fashion-news/w/hy-is-shein-so-bad-27846
