Fast fashion has transformed the clothing industry, offering trendy and affordable styles at a fast pace. However, its staggering environmental toll leads to pollution, waste, and resource depletion. Understanding these hidden costs is essential for making more sustainable consumer choices and reducing the industry’s impact on our planet.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the rapid and inexpensive production of clothing that mirrors the latest trends. Retailers frequently release new collections, sometimes as often as every few weeks, at affordable prices to encourage constant consumer purchases. This business model relies on high-volume, low-cost manufacturing, prioritizing speed over quality and sustainability. Brands such as Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 exemplify this approach, offering frequent inexpensive collections to keep consumers engaged. However, this rapid turnover fosters a cycle of buying, briefly wearing, and discarding clothing, which significantly impacts the environment.