Overflowing waste Overflowing waste

Fast fashion plays a huge role in the drastic increase of waste production. RHS Campus Closet President, Delia Kitzmann, explains why she dislikes waste production in the fast fashion industry.

“... You end up actually spending more in the long run because if you buy a pair of new boots, and they fall apart in a year, you’re buying a pair of boots every year as opposed to paying for a more expensive pair of boots that lasts 30 years,” said Kitzmann.

According to Earth Island Journal, in 2018, the US generated 13 million tons of new clothing waste, 9 million tons of which ended up in landfills. Fast fashion is not looking to end soon. According to Fashionating World, as of 2022, the fast fashion industry is worth $99.23 billion. By 2026, it’s projected to grow to $133 billion in only four years.

Not only are there environmental problems, but there are ethical issues as well. Every day, millions of workers endure harsh working conditions and earn unfair wages to make fast fashion clothing.

According to a U.S. Deparment of Labor Report, numbers of countries have been involved in child labor including Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, and more. Workers regularly breathe in dust and fiber, harmful chemicals, and undergo physical strains.

A report by Oxfam called ‘What She Makes’ found that women garment workers were being paid less than 37cents an hour. This leads to workers living below the poverty line; only 2% of them are able to make a living wage.

Right now, fast fashion is growing faster than ever. Consumer demand for clothing at a cheaper price has pushed the rapid growth of the fast fashion industry. However, by shopping sustainably and cutting down on consumption, the most small efforts can lead to great results.

By: Ashley Kim, Staff Reporter