10-21-2024, 03:11 PM
Fast fashion is a booming industry, but it’s also one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation. Brands like Zara, H&M, and Shein produce trendy clothing quickly and cheaply, leading to massive amounts of waste and pollution. The average person now buys 60% more clothing items than they did 15 years ago, yet keeps each piece for half as long. This demand fuels overproduction, with leftover stock often ending up in landfills or incinerated. Beyond environmental damage, fast fashion is notorious for exploiting labor in developing countries, where workers endure poor conditions and low wages. Some consumers are pushing back against the fast fashion model, advocating for slow fashion—focused on sustainable, ethical practices. As awareness grows, brands are being pressured to adopt more eco-friendly and socially responsible approaches, signaling a shift in how we consume fashion globally.