Black Friday was just a couple of weeks ago, and we are annually reminded of the negative outcome of fast fashion. Fast fashion is a quick way to make sure the latest fashion trends are on the catwalk. With the mass rush of clothes being put onto the market, fast fashion is unethical and is destroying our environment by the minute. According to Fashion Checker, "93% of surveyed brands aren't paying garment workers a living wage". Many fast fashion retailers employ people from China, Vietnam, India, and other developing countries to work at an average cost of about 58 cents per hour. That is way below the living wage for a person. Garment workers aren't able to afford the bare necessities of life, and struggle to provide for themselves and their possible family. Web-based brands like SHEIN and ROMWE have been thriving during the pandemic. These brands, however, thrive off of the use of fast fashion and sweatshops. While ROMWE doesn't address their use of sweatshops and poor labor, SHEIN has openly admitted to it. Even though one is more open to admitting their issues, both brands are clearly unethical for the environment. 80% off deals are great, but do you really want poor quality clothing for the price of wasting huge amounts of water and energy? The clothing industry is responsible for using 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The dyeing and sewing process is also stern. Polyester is used in 60% of garments, and releases about two to three times more carbon emission than cotton. With the toxic dyes and the amount of polyester produced, our water sources are becoming more and more scarce. How should we eliminate fast fashion out of our daily lives? Buy less and buy smart. Sustainable brands like Reformation, Patagonia, Levi's, and Alternative Apparel are ethical and value the rights of their workers. While these brands may cost more than a $5 shirt from SHEIN, shopping at sustainable stores will rarely tear holes and help our environment. Before you get rid of your old clothes, try to repair that old flannel into a fashionable crop top! Repairing and donating your old clothes are the best way to limit fast fashion. We should all be conscious of where we shop. While it could be a habit to buy from a fast fashion brand, buying ethically and sustainably helps our environment and human rights. This is why...we are breaking up with fast fashion.
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