of the Pandemic A Farewell to Fast Fashion

It is no secret that the fashion industry uses cheap materials and labour to churn out clothing collections at a rapid pace. Enticing customers who desire to keep up with the trends to buy more than they need. Zara and H&M are the world’s biggest fashion retailers. They can design, produce, and have their clothing ready for shoppers in 25 days. For online stores such as ASOS and Boohoo it can take only two weeks. It’s clear the industry is creating more than what is needed. As consumers we don’t get to see the devastating working conditions of those who make our clothes or the environmental impacts it causes, so it can be hard to even question why you shouldn’t shop there. But behind the scenes of retailers, it is anything but pretty. Companies use sweatshops in developing countries where basic human rights can be overlooked. The workers are payed a low wage for their long hours of non-stop labour while the industry they work for turns over $1.2 trillion a year worldwide. It is expected that it will hit to $2.1 trillion by 2025. How can they make so much money and still pay less than minimum wage? Aside from the ethical concerns the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, second to oil. In the UK, shoppers throw way over 154 pounds of clothes annually. Even the clothes you donate to charity shops end up in landfill as they struggle to cope. It is not just the amount of clothes that go to waste it is also the material they are made from. Polyester and nylon take decades to decompose because they have petroleumbased fibres, these chemicals go onto pollute our oceans.

While the price tag on a fast fashion item may be low, it has a huge global cost. So how can you shop sustainably without breaking the bank? You may look to sustainable brands such a Reformation or Organic Basics, who spend more on materials. Companies that are eco-friendly, pay staff well and have safe working conditions. What brands like these do is incredible, however they can be too expensive especially for students. If you are wanting quality over quantity or are willing to make the investment, I would say go ahead. If it is not in your price range, don’t worry there are plenty of alternatives.

One thing that we have an abundance of here in the UK is charity shops. If you don’t mind searching through rails of clothes, this is a great way to pick up cheap clothes. It can be

a hit or miss situation, but you will reap the rewards when you find a great piece. Online sites such as eBay and DEPOP are great if you want to search for a certain style. Shopping at vintage shops in Glasgow or online is another alternative. It is a more curated shopping experience and you are guaranteed not to see someone on your night out with the same outfit as you.

Morgan Bowcott