17 Feb 5 ways one can fight fast fashion and make a difference.

Yes, we all enjoy shopping, but with the growth of the fast fashion business, it can be challenging to keep up with the newest trends.Not only that, with time, even our favorite designer items are gradually replaced with cheaper alternatives. This means that there is a definite need to fight fast fashion’s influence and make sure you don’t become one of its victims.Needless to say with the current situation where climate crisis has become the most crucial topic we are left with no other option than to question our consumerism.Globally fashion industry is the second most polluting industry responsible for 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas annually.With the growth of fast fashion, production rate will increase enormously which will deteriorate even the present climate condition.

Now the question comes: what can you do to fight fast fashion?

• Change our consumerism behavior – Just because fast fashion is convenient and easy to buy, doesn’t mean we all have to support companies that are peddling shoddy, low-quality products at low prices. We can all do our part in educating others and encouraging change by voting with our wallets. Conserving natural resources and raising awareness may take time, but it’s great to know that you can have a positive impact on both your wardrobe and the environment.

• Shop from sustainable brands – Paying attention to where you purchase is one of the best methods to be sure that your clothing choices do not hurt the environment or people. This will not only minimize your carbon impact but also support just working conditions for people all around the world.

When creating and marketing their products, sustainable manufacturers pay close attention to every link in the supply chain, from finding recycled materials to guaranteeing fair pay of all garment workers. Check your favorite brand’s mission and principles before making a purchase to determine if they share your social and environmental views, or look up their ranking on the Fashion Transparency Index.

• Reduce and reuse – Use second hand clothing if you appreciate frequent shopping for new wardrobe additions. The world is embracing the secondhand model to compete with fast fashion without causing any environmental impacts.

A  2021 study by the Finnish scientific journal Environmental Research Letters found that renting clothing is more environmentally detrimental than tossing it away. Members of the fashion rental sector, however, have disputed the findings, arguing that renting clothing can reduce carbon emissions by slowing down consumer use and extending the life of clothing that would otherwise be thrown in the trash.

The fashion business won’t become sustainable through one strategy alone, but through a combination of strategies.

• Read the label – Polyester and other petroleum-based synthetic fibers consume less water and land than cotton but produce more greenhouse gases per kilogramme. However, bio-based synthetic polymers derived from sustainable plants like sugarcane and corn “release up to 60% less carbon emissions, mainly due to the crops forming carbon sinks,” according to research. If clothing is manufactured from recycled polyester, it should be indicated on labels (rPET).

Labels will help you know better about the product and thereby will help you make the right decision before any purchase.

• Make small conscious choices – We’ve all seen the “this changes everything” tagline for sustainable fashion, but in reality it’s not that easy. Tackling fashion’s broken system is a major challenge, yet it’s one we have to make time for—both as individuals and businesses. Although the road ahead is an uphill battle, there are small changes every one of us can make to get started.For example educating yourself about sustainable fashion or just simply upcycling your own clothes.

Fast fashion an unsustainable system that relies on a constant stream of new products. And without a more sustainable approach to production, we are headed towards disaster.