Summer Fitzgerald
SHEIN, an online store, has recently become a main source of fast fashion as it is heavily promoted across social media platforms through “SHEIN Hauls”.
The rise of fast fashion has been a major problem in recent years. This is especially true with social media. It’s impossible to open Instagram and TikTok without seeing someone posting their new outfit. Trend cycles have increased dramatically and social media pushes all of this in our faces constantly.
Corporations are forced to adapt to rapid changes and have no choice but to cut corners.
According to Oxford Languages, fast fashion is clothing that is cheaply produced by mass-market retailers to keep up with the latest trends. Fast fashion is harmful to the environment and young people’s mental health.
Environmental cost
According to the, textile mills are responsible for more than one-fifth water pollution and use 20,000 chemicals. Many of these chemicals can cause cancer. Natural Resources Defence Council. This leaves workers and the environment in very poor health. Most textile factories are found in developing countries, where there is no way for the government or the government to monitor and regulate pollution laws.
Companies that only care about making quick money and keeping up with the latest trends will take any shortcuts to get there. They exploit their workers and find loopholes in laws. Destroy the environment They will follow their lead. Clothes from fast fashion brands don’t last long and are not sustainable.
These brands were founded on the idea of selling low-quality, cheap clothing that can be thrown away. According to the The 101 Million Tons of Clothing thrown away each year, BBC. These serious environmental consequences far outweigh low prices for fast fashion.
Mental health:
The recent rise in fast fashion is easily traced to the popularity of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Many people regularly use social media to post their shopping trips from stores like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. Contributions to the environment that are harmful
These apps offer fashion and social media trends that are both short-lived and sensational. However, they can also have a negative impact on users’ mental health.
Social media has already had such negative impacts on society. According to the study, Instagram is linked to increased self-objectification and body image concerns in women between 18 and 25 years old. National Eating Disorder Association. It is clear that mental health and body image issues are on the rise and that this is affecting our youth.
Alternatives to fast fashion
Conscious consumers should avoid fast fashion. But how? It all starts in your own backyard. Instead of purchasing cheap, poor-quality clothing, fill your closet by buying clothes from small, local businesses. Thrift shops are a great way to maximize clothing’s use and reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills.
You can also purchase clothes from ethical brands that don’t contribute to fast fashion. Companies such as Patagonia, KotnAnd Fair Trade Winds Offer a wide range in styles and budgets to meet the needs of customers. They also make conscious efforts for ethical business practices. Patagonia, for example, uses renewable energy to make its clothes. It is also very conscious of its environmental impact. Carbon footprint.
Fast fashion is an irresponsible industry, which exploits workers and the environment. Although it may look great on social media, fast fashion is not worth your money and mental health.
