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Fast fashion is "fast" in every sense of the word: trends shift rapidly, production races to keep up, customer decisions to buy are made in seconds, deliveries arrive within a day, and, all too often, garments are worn just a few times before being discarded. But this rapid pace comes at a tremendous cost to both the planet and the people who make our clothes.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to low-cost, quickly produced clothing designed to mimic current trends. It thrives on the idea of mass consumption, where people buy more clothes than ever, wear them for less time, and then discard them. This system keeps prices low for consumers, but the hidden costs are enormous—textile workers are exploited, and the environment is ravaged. At its core, fast fashion's business model revolves around encouraging consumers to buy more, use items for a shorter period, and then return for more. It’s a vicious cycle that harms both people and the planet.
Fashion has always been about keeping up with trends, but fast fashion has taken it to another level. Where brands once planned clothing lines months or even years in advance, today’s fast fashion giants turn around new designs in a matter of days. Brands have perfected the art of fueling that desire. They aren't just reacting to consumer demand; they’re creating it. Every new post, every hashtag, pushes the narrative that we need more clothes, more often.
To keep up with ever-changing trends, fast fashion companies need to churn out new clothing lines at breakneck speeds. This pressure leads to dangerous working conditions, low wages, and poor job security for workers in countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Factories are pushed to produce clothing at impossible speeds and at the lowest possible cost, which often means workers are underpaid, overworked, and exposed to unsafe conditions.
A major issue with fast fashion is the short life of the clothes. Modern clothing is not designed to last; it's made to be worn a few times and then discarded. Often produced from cheap synthetic fabrics, these clothes are of such poor quality that they end up in the trash after only a few wears. It’s no surprise, then, that fast fashion generates an astonishing 92 million tons of textile waste each year, much of which is sent to landfills or incinerated. Less than 1% of all discarded clothing is recycled.
The Environmental Toll
Fast fashion’s relentless production process has devastating environmental consequences. The fashion industry is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Each year, the industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water, contributing to water scarcity and pollution, while cotton production alone accounts for 16% of global insecticide use.
But perhaps the most shocking problem is the industry's reliance on plastic. Synthetic fibers, like polyester, are derived from fossil fuels and now make up over half of all clothing. This not only contributes to carbon emissions but also to the release of microplastics—tiny fibers that shed from clothes during washing and eventually make their way into our oceans, food, and even our bodies.
Vintage: Garments from a previous era (as recent as the 1990s).
Recycled: Clothing made from materials like recycled polyester (plastic bottles), nylon, or denim.
Upcycled: Old or unwanted garments transformed into something new and unique.
Thrifted: Pre-loved items from thrift stores, flea markets, or garage sales, ready for their second life.
Slowing Down Fashion
While fast fashion continues to dominate, there is hope. Consumers are becoming more aware of the damage caused by this industry, and trends are beginning to shift. A recent WRAP report found that people are keeping their clothes longer and are more open to buying secondhand or repairing what they already own.
Brands are also experimenting with "circular fashion," offering subscription and repair services to extend the life of garments. The rise of resale platforms has made it easier than ever to find secondhand clothing, while thrift stores and charity shops are seeing increased foot traffic as people look for more sustainable alternatives.
Need inspiration? Check out these local and online shops for eco-friendly fashion:
StyleXchange thrift shop - Stillwater, MN
ReStored Thrift Store Stillwater - Stillwater, MN
Trove Marketplace - Oak Park Heights, MN
City Vintage Thrift - Maplewood, MN
Plato’s Closet - Maplewood, MN
Mitch’s Vintage - Shoreview, MN
Everyday People Clothing Exchange - St. Paul, MN
ThredUp (Online)
Thrifted (Online)
Join Us at the Sustainability Works! 2024 - Eco-Fashion Show
At Sustainable Stillwater MN, we’re dedicated to promoting a future where fashion is sustainable, ethical, and environmentally responsible. That’s why we’re excited to announce our Eco-Fashion Show at the upcoming Sustainability Works! 2024 Gala & Awards.
This fashion show will feature eco-friendly designs created by talented local students passionate about sustainable living. Each piece tells a story of creativity, innovation, and commitment to the environment. You’ll see how everyday materials can be transformed into something stylish, beautiful, and impactful.
By attending, you’re not just witnessing fashion—you’re supporting the next generation of designers shaping a sustainable future. These young creators are proving that fashion can be a powerful tool for positive change.
But there’s more! We want to celebrate your style too! As a guest, you can showcase your own fashion sense by volunteering as a model. Sign up at registration, write a brief description of your outfit, and strut the runway in a group or individually.
By supporting sustainable fashion, you’re helping to break the cycle of fast fashion and contributing to a healthier world for future generations. Join us in celebrating eco-friendly innovation at the Sustainability Works! 2024 Gala and see firsthand how fashion can be a force for good.
For more information on the event and how to get involved, RSVP here.
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