The Environmental Tolls of Fast Fashion

By Vedanth P

Dublin High School

May 24, 2024

In the fast moving world of fashion, trends interchangeably come and disappear at tremendous speeds, fueled by the demand for the latest styles. This phenomenon, known as fast fashion, revolutionized the fashion industry by making seemingly unattainable fashion to an individual accessible to the masses within weeks. Though it may seem like a new sweeping undertaking, behind the glamor lies a darker reality— the staggering tolls it has on our environment.

One of the most significant environmental concerns that is associated with fast fashion is its staggering water consumption. The production of textiles and other fabrics requires a vast amount of water. One example is cotton, which going from irrigation to dyeing and other finishing processes contributes to increased water scarcity. Regions that are already grappling with water shortages are affected even more by this problem, placing further strain on already diminishing water resources.

Pollution generated by fast fashion is another critical issue. Chemical intensive processes such as dyeing release toxic substances into waterways and the air, which not only harm local ecosystems but also pose serious health risks to communities. The use of synthetic fibers contributes to microplastic pollution as it promotes plastic particles entering water bodies and eventually the food chain.

Fast fashion’s throwaway culture has also contributed to increased waste production. Retailers are constantly producing new collections to keep up with rapidly changing trends, which encourages consumers to buy more as a result discard older clothes at alarming rates. Since most of these clothes end up in landfills, they decompose in the soil, along with their harmful chemical dyes which leads to soil pollution. On top of that, the decomposing process of these clothes releases greenhouse gasses like methane into the atmosphere. Methane is a gas that is able to trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to broader environmental issues such as climate change.

The environmental toll of fast fashion can be addressed through different multifaceted approaches that encompasses both industry wide and individual actions. Textile companies should prioritize sustainability throughout supply chains and adopt eco-friendly materials. Additionally, consumers can make differences by embracing slow fashion principles rather than rapid changing ones, opting for quality over quantity.

The environmental toll of fast fashion is undeniable, with far-reaching implications for our planet and our ecosystems. From water scarcity to pollution, the true cost of fast fashion is beyond price tags. As consumers we have the ability to make a driving change by making conscious choices and supporting sustainable alternatives. Reimagining relationships with clothing and advocating for more ethical and sustainable approaches, we can work towards a more efficient fashion industry that supports our environment.

Works Cited

Whalen, Victoria. “Fast Fashion and Climate Change 101.” Action for the Climate Emergency, 29 Mar. 2023, acespace.org/blog/2022/06/17/fast-fashion-101/#:~:text=As%20clothing%20degrades%20in%20landfills,end%20up%20in%20a%20landfill.

Admin, SEO. “10 Scary Statistics about Fast Fashion & the Environment.” State of Matter Apparel, 21 Dec. 2023, stateofmatterapparel.com/blogs/som-blog/10-scary-statistics-about-

fast-fashion-the-environment#:~:text=Fast%20fashion%20pollution%20is%20a,metric%20tons%20of%20CO2%20equivalents.