By: Melissa Vanderplow

 

Keeping up with the constant change in trends can be more than exhausting, not to mention- costly. That being said, a lot of us turn to many large “fast fashion” retailers that specialize in on-trend pieces at a lower price point and (unfortunately) lower quality. 

 

With our current economic situation- it is imperative to think about some factors you may not have thought about before. Where are my clothes made? At such a low price point- how can this company be profitable after paying such a multitude of employees? And most importantly- how are these pieces made? 

 

While “fast fashion” is definitely popular, sustainability and protecting our environment is also a well-known topic when it comes to the items we choose to buy. Can these two go hand in hand? 

 

Don’t we all wish. 

 

So, why do we call it “fast fashion?” These are pieces that you wear once or twice. I mean, this week it could be high-waisted jeans, next week it could be Low-waisted jeans (I really hope those low-waisted jeans stay locked in 2002, though.)

 

What happens with these pieces that are now out of style? Most end up in the dump. Over 50,000 garbage trucks full of discarded garments are dumped every second. Many of these clothes are also made of polyester. Guess what? Polyester doesn’t break down and emits 2-3 times more pollution than cotton. 

 

What about water? In order to create these pieces, many of them have to be dyed, fabric needs to be treated, etc. All of that takes water. The amount of water used to make a pair of jeans is equivalent to the amount of water consumed by one person, drinking 8 glasses a day over the span of over 10 years. 

 

Dyeing these garments is another step in the wrong direction. A lot of the water used in the dyeing process is dumped into streams, rivers, and other necessary sources of water. 

 

What can you do to help? #supportsmallbusiness. Many of these companies are sourced locally and ethically. Not to mention that many of these boutiques offer selections that are not easily found anywhere else. 

 

Save the planet, support sustainable businesses, and look great doing it.