For many decades since the mid 1900s, scientists have been trying to caution against and bring to global cognizance the threat of climate change as well as the impact of our consumer habits on the state of the planet. Only recently have people started to be consciously aware of the perils of fast fashion waste and begun putting in efforts to change their consumption habits for the better.
For those of us not savvy in the fashion jargon, fast fashion can be defined as the regular launch of new designs and following of momentary trends in a relatively short period of time. Clothing outlets like Zara, H & M, Westside and various others circle through multiple collections in a single season. These companies offer trendy clothes inspired by vogue coutures and celebrity wardrobes at relatively cheap prices. Their garments are generally manufactured in China, Bangladesh or Vietnam where labour is cheap and government regulations in terms of working hours and conditions are relaxed. This largely engenders clothing that is not meant to last for more than a year and is likely to whither in due time. Not to mention the human rights violations that are often kept under wraps.
The wide range of options available to consumers and the rapid introduction of fresh stock in large numbers triggers the buying of an extensive amount of clothes, bags or shoes not on the basis of necessity but with the intention of replacing old wardrobe elements or fueling the underlying dopamine hungry shopping addiction.
Of course, it should be remembered that the mere following of trends is not the conundrum here, it is the incessant production and consumption of fabrics that do not easily decompose and contribute to excessive waste water and other pollutants, that leads to detrimental effects on the environment as well as wildlife.
Fabrics like:
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Rayon
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Nylon
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Polyester
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Cotton
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Leather (animal rights issues, tanning pollutants)
among others are not environmentally sustainable because of reasons mentioned above. Moreover, dyeing, bleaching and using formaldehyde to treat fabrics can further add harmful substances to the atmosphere.
To counter the widespread use of harmful fabrics such as these, manufacturers, climate activists, and economists have started advocating the use of more sustainable and relatively cheaper fabrics such as:
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Linen
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Bamboo
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Hemp
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Organic cotton
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Recycled cotton
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Vegetable tanned leather
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Yak wool
Fabrics that, according to our current science, are a much more sustainable and eco-conscious option.
Slow fashion is not just a buzz word thrown around by new brands, it is a lifestyle choice. The choice to actively regulate our consumption and supporting brands that work towards offering timeless styles that are bound to last for years!
We have a long way to go in terms of living and buying sustainably. But with the birth of new brands that are exclusively built on and remain dedicated to green conscious principles, we’ve come a long way already!
