With more and more studies coming out, it has been shown that the fashion industry contributes the most to the polluting problem in the world. We as consumers must make the conscious decisions for better sustainable and ethical buys and to partner with brands that have eco-friendly options and resources. To incite people into making the big shift to sustainable and ethical fashion, here are two reasons.
1. Exceedingly Better for the Planet
Fast Fashion is leaving quite the environmental footprint. Fashion production emits 10% of total global carbon emissions, while drying up water sources and polluting rivers and streams. Not to mention that 85% of all textiles are dumped each year. Even while washing, microfibers/plastics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are emitted into water, taking hundreds of years to biodegrade. By choosing sustainable fashion, shoppers can stop supporting the negative environmental impacts and instead turn their attention toward reducing the environmental footprint.
2. Improved Conditions for Workers
In developing countries, fast fashion companies that outsource to overseas workers have been known to exploit their employees in order to maximize their companies profits. Especially for young and underage women, conditions are inhumane. Women are subjected to work long hours with minimal pay in unsafe working conditions with no benefits or even protection. An example of this would be the Rana Plaza workshop which collapsed in 2013 killing over 1000 workers. As a society, we must come together and stop this fast fashion companies from exploiting their workers and work toward creating a better work environment for them.
Credit: ©️Laura Vicente Mesonero Image credit: saybrookproductions
Any small action toward becoming a more sustainable and ethical shopper is an important action. By understanding that our shopping habits have consequences, we can make a better step forward toward creating a more environmentally friendly fashion industry.
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