The Fast Fashion Epidemic
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion can be described as a business model that aims to produce trendy clothing items at both high speeds and low prices. Since 2000, clothing production has nearly doubled globally as a direct consequence of this model.
Fast fashion has risen in popularity due to its affordability and accessibility. The clothes are cheap and mass produced. Unfortunately, the reasons behind this are cheap labor, mass production, and various ecological consequences. These clothes are meant to be bought and discarded quickly, so that the consumer can move on to the next big trend.
Environmental Impacts
It is estimated that more than 92 million tones of textile waste are generated annually. Unsurprisingly, most of this waste stems from the fast fashion industry. Since the garments are only meant to be worn a few times and then thrown out, they often end up in landfills.
Creating textiles is an incredibly water-intensive process. Processes such as cotton cultivation and dyeing require a lot of water. In 2015, the fast fashion industry used 79 million liters of water alone. For reference, creating one cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water.
The production of textiles also requires the use of harsh chemicals, found in dyes and finishing agents. These chemicals eventually make their way to nearby waterways, contaminating local aquatic ecosystems. This problem is amplified by the fast fashion industry because it tends to occur in countries with weaker regulations – which just so happen to be the countries where labor is cheap and where manufacturing is outsourced.
It is estimated that the fast fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of all CO2 emissions. That’s more than international flights and maritime shipping combined! Most fast fashion textiles are made from synthetic materials, which require the use of fossil fuels. Undoubtedly, fast fashion significantly contributes to climate change.
What can you do?
1. Consume Less, Choose wisely
Prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to clothes. Choose timeless and durable pieces that you know will last. Avoid impulse buying and following trends.
2. Buy secondhand
Buy clothing from secondhand sources, such as thrift stores, online resale platforms, etc.
References
Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T., & Gwilt, A. (2020). The Environmental Price of Fast Fashion. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1(1), 189–200. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-020-0054-x
Pharmacy Journal | Pharmaceutical Journal | The Pharma Innovation Journal. (2025). Doi.org. https://www.doi.org/10.22271/tpi
