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What are the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion and what are…
What are the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion and what are possible realistic and achievable methods of addressing the growing influence of the industry and its effects?
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Fossil Fuel Combustion
harmful toxins and dyes utilized in fabric dyeing are released into the environment in the form of factory runoff
greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide contribute to global warming, an escalating issue in the world
the transportation of materials and the production and distribution of clothing is fossil fuel-intensive, and is a heavily polluting system
synthetic materials like polyester require energy and fossil fuels to produce, yet it is one of the most frequently used materials in fast fashion
the fashion industry as a whole accounts for approximately 8% of global emissions Bailey et al. (2022)
the cotton industry is also a massive drain on resources and producing it requires fertilizers and pesticides that get into the ground water and into water supply through runoff
Damages to water systems
the cotton industry, in particular requires massive amounts of water: it takes 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton shirt (Reichert and Drew, 2019).
cotton must be grown in hot, dry areas, so using such a large water supply for this crop is very controversial, leading to the desertification of bodies of water
the fashion industry is extremely water-intensive, accounting for 20% of global wastewater
social concerns of using water supply: In countries such as India, where 100 million people do not have access to drinking water, producing cotton seems unethical (Leahy, 2015).
Polyester production also is a significant contributor to water pollution in the form of microplastic release into waterways, posing a threat to the environment and humans
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the complex chemical used to dye fabrics are generally toxic and we do not yet have treatment measures that completely eliminate these toxins
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Role of consumers
things like thrifting, shopping locally, and recycling old clothing are all important ways individuals can make a difference in the fashion market
Education and activism helps spread awareness about the unethical practices and environmental concerns of fast fashion, helping to hold companies accountable
consumer research into company practices is extremely important in choosing ethical fashion brands and lessening the effects of fast fashoin
Current Policies
The United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion was established in 2019 with the goals of sustainabilty in the production of raw materials, manufacting and distribution. Also, reducing waste, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions
The European Commission, like New York, require companies to include information on how sustainable and recyclable a clothing item is but on the label of the product
2021 New York State Regulation that if companies textile makes up for over 10% of companies waste, the company must send their waste for recycling
New York’s Fashion Sustainability and Social Account Act Requires companies with more than $100 in revenue to disclose their environmental and social risks impacts with their operations
Role of social media
Harvard political review explains Tik Tok in particular, has has a massive effect of the spread of fast fashion through influencers
Influencers can be a key part of mitigating fast fashion by using their platforms to promote sustainable brands and spreading awareness to consumers
Social media has propagated the influence of fast fashion brands due to its ability to reach their key demographic, females aging from 15-30
Influencers have helped to shape consumer behavior and have encouraged consumerism and buying into fast fashion products and trends (Johnstone, 2022)