What is Fast Fashion and why we need a Revolution
This was the start of the Fashion Revolution.
Today was the first day of the #FashRev week (23rd - 29th of April). Every year from then on, the movement has been gaining momentum, as more and more people become aware of the consequences behind purchasing 'fast fashion'.
But what do I mean by that term?
Back in the day, designers used to produce collections for two seasons a year (Spring/Summer, Autumn/Winter - makes sense, right?). However, nowadays high street stores have new stock pilling onto their shelves and crowding their rails every week. That's 52 'seasons' - a hella laaat!
How unnecessary. Think about it for a second: do you really need that many clothes? The simple answer is no. Yet we see no reason to question whether or not to buy, or who to buy from.
That is until you read this article (I'd hope).
The clothing you pick up from these fashion giants is damaging the Earth (Happy Earth Day for yesterday! - to those who care) and encouraging modern day slavery.
The pressure to reduce cost and delivery time between design pitch to arriving at the shop floor causes environmental corners to be cut. Garments are mostly made from synthetic fibres which can take hundreds of years to decompose. They're also put though intense production methods i.e. chemical baths and dyes, which run into water bodies and contaminate oceans. The amount of energy it takes to run one factory alone, the incessant topping up of landfill piles, the CO2 output from international transport in order to get that new Zara range in store on time... is it really worth it? The masses of pollution the industry out-turns is devastating.
Fact: Fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world.
Good news tho: if you shop wisely we can change the world together! Hold my hand baby.
Now, not to mention the individuals who've poured their blood, sweat and tears into making these clothes. (Lets humanise this process because it's dehumanised all too often). Garment factories are mainly focused in LEDC's as people living in these areas will work very long hours (14 hour shifts are common), under intense pressure, in life-threatening conditions with little-to-no pay. Yes, it is their job because they don't have any other option. Take for example the Rana Plaza collapse. The workers were forced to sit at their stations and keep their heads down and hands working, despite having notified managers of a massive crack in the side of the crumbling building. Total preventable tragedy.
*(Yes, there are garment factories that are better. They treat workers fairly and have environmental stipulations in place. But usually, unless the brand is more transparent it is unlikely.)
Despite all of this, retailers are running the race to continually speed up rather than to slow down. It's a fast world: sell, sell, sell!
Now to put a smile on your face!
Here's how you can take a step in the right direction. Ask the brands you love:
By sharing a photo of a favourite item of clothing on social media (popularly Instagram with the hashtag #whomademyclothes), tag the brand responsible for its production and demand an answer. This way, we are encouraging brands themselves to become more aware of their sources and to share them with customers.
You can also help dramatically by simply shopping less. Slow down the current, dude. Righteous!
When you do shop, do so 'locally made' or on online ethical shops. I've followed Sancho's dress for quite some time and really admire what they've achieved so far, please do check them out!
Here's a perk of purchasing sustainable clothing:
You can actually save money! ("But what do you mean? Ethical jeans are expensive!" I hear you cry) Brain bash: You actually spend less by purchasing quality seldomly than cheap stuff often! Also, you're more likely to feel great about the purchase knowing you've made the right choice.
To quote an up-and-coming luxury sustainable fashion brand L'Origine Du Monde: "We treat the Earth like we would your Momma: Respectfully." Let's follow in their footsteps why don't we.
A (big-ish) thought to leave you with: Just because it isn't happening to you, doesn't mean it isn't happening. Conserve your empathy, be more humanitarian, find and spread the looove. Kindness doesn't cost a thing - this includes shopping from the right source!
Much love.
Speak soon,
Cath x
So true, Catherine. I am increasingly drawn to ethical clothing brands like Rapanui and even M&S work on their sourcing. Less is definitely more!
ReplyDeleteThank you Catherine for you sharing this message. Obviously so many are blind, or too easily pass off the responsibility. But I find it hard to believe that anyone could deny the truth in your words. Much love!
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