Fast Fashion and Textile Waste

April 18, 2020

Fast Fashion is the term for cheap clothing that is mass produced with the intention of only being fashionable for a short period of time. This process often exploits workers and damages the environment.

Check out my video presentation on Textile Waste and Fast Fashion and see below for resources on what you can do as a consumer.

Fashion Revolution is a global campaign that aims to educate people on the problems of fast fashion and celebrate those brands that are working to reduce the negative impacts of their clothing.
Fashion Revolution Week runs from 20th-26th April and provides a way to engage with this issue. Visit their website for more information and resources.

What can we do as consumers?

Consider what we are buying

Think about what it is made of, where has it come from and does the cost reflect environmental or social impacts?
Research the brands and support ethical companies (those that have transparent supply chains, support workers rights, sustainability practices)

Check out the Tearfund Ethical Fashion Guide that is released each year.

Buy Second Hand

Extends life of products which reduces the environmental impact
Shows support for second hand market, over fast fashion
Buy purchasing second hand, individuals may have more money to spend on what new clothing they do need. They can then buy better quality, more ethical or more sustainable.
Check out resources such as Treasure Hunting, Eco Oikos Christchurch map of second hand stores, Facebook Group Op-shopping in NZ and Second Hand Christchurch.

Be minimalist

One of the traps of Fast Fashion is that there is a new style every week. If we step back from needing/wanting change, we can have more time and energy invested in other areas of our lives.
Capsule wardrobes are curated small collections of clothing that can combine in different ways to make enough outfits for all situations.

“a mini wardrobe made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear.”