Why Do People Buy
Fast Fashion If It's Bad?
What Is The Meaning Of Fast Fashion?
In a nutshell, it refers to mass-produced clothing that focuses on creating endless trends and seasons without consideration for the environment or ethical working conditions.
A classic example of this system is Zara's 52 'micro-seasons' strategy. Because more seasons equals more 'must-have' new items. Unfortunately, this hyper-consumerism has far-reaching consequences that we can no longer ignore.
Why Is Fast Fashion Bad?
Fast fashion is a problem both here and globally. Here are some not so pleasant facts:
GLOBALLY
• The fashion industry accounts for 8.1% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. (World Resources Institute)
• Textile dyeing and treatment contribute to 20% of industrial water pollution globally. (World Wildlife Fund)
• The fashion industry is responsible for consuming 79 trillion litres of water annually, and this number is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
IN AUSTRALIA
• The average Australian buys 27 kilograms of new clothing every year, and 23 kilograms of that ends up in landfills. (Sustainability Victoria)
• Textile waste in Australia increased by 63% from 2005 to 2016. (NSW Environment Protection Authority)
• The fashion industry contributes to 6% of Australia's waste. (National Waste Report 2020)
These stats highlight why fast fashion is problematic, but millions of people still support it... here are FOUR main reasons why:
#1. Education
One of the main reasons people continue to buy fast fashion is a lack of understanding about the severity of the issue.
Many people are aware that the fashion industry is far from perfect, but they may not realize the extent of the impact on workers, families, and animals. Educating others is key. Share articles, documentaries, and social media posts to help them learn more about the issue. A great resource is Good On You and their brand ratings (see image example).
Remember to be respectful and avoid making others feel bad. The goal is to provide information that motivates them to make changes.
#2. Convenience
Fast fashion is everywhere, making it the easiest choice for many shoppers. Slow fashion requires more research and assessing each brand. This is why retail stores that audit brands and provide this information is vital.
You don't need to go out of your way for fast fashion. We combat this by providing over 100 Australian brands passionate about making a difference. Stride Store makes slow fashion as easy as fast fashion.
Just like diets, you need to swap out fast food for better choices. Do the same thing with your fashion retailers. Start ditching fast fashion and shop Stride Store for the best range of ethical fashion for the whole family!
#3. Finances
It's no secret that fast fashion is known for its cheap prices, making it an attractive option for many shoppers. However, this affordability comes at a great cost to the environment and human rights. Unfortunately, sustainable fashion is often seen as a luxury that many cannot afford. We must acknowledge that not everyone has the budget to pay extra for sustainable fashion, and it's important to respect and consider each person's financial situation.
While slow fashion isn't always more expensive, we can't assume that everyone can afford the sustainable alternative. But, there is a solution that benefits both our wallets and the planet: op shopping. Shopping at second-hand stores is not only more affordable than fast fashion, but it also extends the life of garments and reduces waste in landfills. Plus, you can find some hidden gems that give your wardrobe a unique and eco-friendly touch.
At the end of the day, it's important to prioritize conscious consumption in a way that fits within our means. Try to focus on small, sustainable choices, like op shopping, that contribute to a better future for all. Click on the button below for a directory listing al of the op shops in Australia.
#4. Pressure
Social media has drastically changed the fashion landscape, with influencers and celebrities influencing consumer choices. Fashion brands often partner with social media personalities to promote their products and expand their reach. The pressure to keep up with the latest trends and not repeat outfits can be intense.
With the constant influx of new content, it's easy to feel left behind and irrelevant without the latest fast fashion pieces. Social media can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and peer pressure to conform to the latest trends, even if they are unsustainable and unethical.This pressure is compounded by the fast-paced nature of social media, where trends come and go quickly. The desire to keep up can lead to impulse purchases of cheap, fast fashion items rather than investing in quality, sustainable pieces.
It's important to remember that social media is curated and often doesn't reflect reality. The pressure to constantly update one's wardrobe can be overwhelming and unsustainable. Encouraging a shift towards slow, sustainable fashion and re-wearing outfits can combat this pressure and promote a more conscious approach to fashion. Check out Fashion Revolution movement to combat the unsustainable pressure of fast fashion perpetuated by social media.
Conclusion
The issues surrounding fast fashion are significant with devastating impacts on both people and the planet. Despite this, millions of people continue to support it, but we can help encourage them to make positive changes.
The good news is that there are solutions available, such as educating ourselves and others, shopping from ethical brands, op shopping, and re-wearing outfits. It's up to each of us to make conscious choices and prioritize sustainability in our fashion consumption. By doing so, we can help create a better future for ourselves and the world.
Which solution will you be adopting today?
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