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Nov 14, 2024
Writing Feedback / ENG 102 - Fast Fashion Should Be Regulated [2]
Submit the Rough Draft for peer review. There are various options for completing this part of the assignment. Choose ONE that works for you.
Option #2: Submit your essay to Essay Forum(opens in a new tab). Essay Forum is a free, online peer review board moderated by top students, including graduate students and professors. After registering, you can submit the text of your essay with some guidelines for the review, such as your three areas of weakness or the description of the research paper project provided above. Do note that because this is a volunteer-based service, you may have to wait to get feedback. You can read more about this service at Essay Forum's Frequently Asked Questions(opens in a new tab).
Fast Fashion Should Be Regulated Due to Environmental Degradation
Introduction
Fashion has become a major part of people's lives everywhere in this modern world. We tend to care about how we look and desire to have the latest or the most trendy apparel available. Fast fashion has made this possible for us in a revolutionary way by making it accessible to consumers at a fraction of the cost. This became addictive to some people and has contributed extensively to the proliferation of fast fashion industries such as Zara, H&M, Shein, and many others. However, beneath its surface of affordability and convenience came a hefty environmental price tag that impacted our planet at an alarming rate by contributing to waste pollution, depletion of resources, and social issues. Fast fashion's demand for cheap labor, unsustainable production processes, and its contribution to a culture of overconsumption is sparking a conversation about the true cost of looking stylish in today's world. As we confront the environmental degradation and human rights associated with this industry, we have to ask ourselves, is fast fashion truly worth the price we pay?
History of Fast Fashion
Fast Fashion is described as the rapid production of inexpensive, low-quality clothing that often mimics popular styles of fashion labels, big-name brands, and independent designers (Kelleber, 2024, para.1). According to Lit Hub, the history of mass production of clothing started in the 19th century made by impoverished pieceworkers after the rise of textile mills, followed by corsets at mid-century. Before the Civil War, the only ready-to-wear outer garments available were made for sailors and slaves (Thanhauser, 2022, para. 2). After the Civil War, factories that were producing military uniforms shifted to making men's suits, and later, women's clothing like cloaks, jackets other garments which helped bring high-end fashion within reach of the working class. By the 1880s, German-Jewish immigrants played an important role in expanding the ready-to-wear industry, specifically in New York City. The value of production increased dramatically, and the number of manufacturers and workers grew rapidly. By 1920, women's fashion dominated the industry, accounting for about 76% of production. Garments were made seasonally through a system controlled by "jobbers," who sourced patterns and managed the flow of materials. While mass production made fashion affordable, it also perpetuated exploitation for workers who were mainly immigrants who were underpaid and worked in poor conditions. This contributed to laying the groundwork for later labor movements (Thanhauser, 2022, para.3-9).
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
The rapid production of low-cost clothing in fast fashion leads to a throwaway culture due to consumers wanting the newest styles in the market. Globally, about 80-100 billion new clothing garments are produced every year, at least 92 million tons of textile waste yearly, and 87% of that are materials used to make clothing that end up in landfills (Ruiz, 2024, para. 3). According to UN Climate Change News, the production of clothes in fashion industry accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions more than all international flights, and shipping combined (UN Climate Change News, 2018, para. 1). The majority of this stems from synthetic fibers like polyester that are made from fossil fuels, which are not renewable resources causing ramp-up in greenhouse gas emissions.
One cannot deny that color is the catalyst for sales success because it's the first thing consumers notice about a garment. Therefore, the process of dyeing and the finishing phase is essential in this process requiring about 200 tons of water or more for every ton of textile produced. For example, 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans. From this, only 5% of the raw material is contained within the garment, and about 95% of the material process becomes hidden water. This means that the toxic soap of chemicals is being discarded into our water systems and flows into our rivers and oceans, making it harmful to people as well as accounting for being the second largest polluter of water (Benson, 2019, para. 1-2), (Maiti, 2024, para. 6).
Unethical Labor Practices
To keep up with the rapid production of clothing and its sustainability, many fast fashion companies sought a way to cut costs in the supply chain by taking their production in developing countries to take advantage of cheaper labor costs and fewer regulations. This encourages companies to engage in unethical labor practices in order to create a high volume of clothing. For example, H&M creates 52 "miro-seasons" a year, one for every week. This pattern created a culture of massive demand for apparel and the creation of approximately 53 million tons of clothing annually at a low cost (Ross, 2021, para. 2).
Oftentimes, Fashion companies relocate their subsidiaries to countries like Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh to take advantage of the lack of oversight in textile production. This minimizes the control over their supply chains because brands can avoid legal responsibilities for unethical practices that allow them to produce clothing at such a low cost. This lack of regulation enables them to sidestep accountability for worker exploitation. However, the increasing public awareness of labor abuses is making it harder for these companies to ignore the exploitation of their workers (Ross, 2021, para.3). A notable example of this occurred on April 24, 2013, when the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh came crashing down, killing 1,134, and leaving thousands of people that were injured. This was a tragic incident within the global fashion supply chain that drew attention to the exploitative practices prevalent in the fast fashion industry including poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of safety measures (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2024, para. 1).
The Need for Regulation
It is plain to see that the fast fashion industry urgently needs regulation due to its significant impact environmentally, socially, and ethically. The rapid production cycles that are designed to deliver new trends at low prices come with undesirable outcomes that often rely on exploitative labor practices with workers in developing countries facing poor wages, unsafe conditions, and limited rights. Additionally, the massive volume of cheap clothing produced contributes to a staggering amount of textile waste, pollution, and overuse of natural resources, ultimately harming our planet. Government and clothing companies need to address stricter policies and create awareness of the environmental and social impacts of fashion industries. According to no-kill magazine, they've stated that on June 1, 2023, the EU parliament voted to pass a set of recommendations to protect against fast fashion, ban the destruction of unused goods, and promote and support garment workers' rights (para.3).
Efforts of Sustainability Practices
The environmental and social cost of the fashion industry forces us to stress the need for more sustainable business models and practices. Furthermore, certain textiles of clothes are detrimental on human health. For example, Benzothiazole is a chemical commonly used in textile processing, and its permeation through fabrics raises concerns about human exposure to this compound. Prolonged contact with this compound may lead to dermal absorption, as well as skin irritation nd allergic reactions in some individuals (State Of Matter, 2023, para.12). For this reason, it is paramount that we must hold fashion industries and our community accountable for sustainability practices. According to Marshall from Immago, sustainable fashion is a way in which brands create clothing that not only reduces the impact on the environment and is mindful of the people who work to produce the garments. In simple terms, it is a fashion that is ethically made and environmentally friendly (Marshall, 2022, para. 2). As fashion industry continues to grow, we should also move towards sustainability. If we encourage and educate our community, we can create a change together. One of the few brands that practices sustainability is a well known brand called Patagonia for outerwear. They use Fair Trade Certified factories and sources most of its fabrics from sustainably produced materials. They even went as far as donating 98% of Patagonia's stock to the Holdfast Collective who are nonprofit organization that combats climate change (Burkhardt, 2024, para. 18).
Conclusion
While fast fashion has made trendy clothing more accessible than ever, it comes with a hefty cost to both people and our environment. The environmental damage caused by waste pollution, and the overused of the resources are staggering, while the exploitation of workers in developing countries highlights the darker side of the industry. As consumers, we often find ourselves caught up in the affordability of ever changing styles however, it's important to note the true cost of this convenience. The need for regulation is clear that government and fashion industry must step up to ensure fair labor practices and sustainable production methods. Thankfully, there are brands like Patagonia that are already showing that it's possible to do things differently even if adaptability is challenging. If we want to create a products that's not just fast, but responsible and ethical, it will take collective effort as a society to push for change and make more mindful choices. We can only accomplish this by addressing these issues head on in order to build a fashion world that truly values both people and our environment.
References
Submit the Rough Draft for peer review. There are various options for completing this part of the assignment. Choose ONE that works for you.
Option #2: Submit your essay to Essay Forum(opens in a new tab). Essay Forum is a free, online peer review board moderated by top students, including graduate students and professors. After registering, you can submit the text of your essay with some guidelines for the review, such as your three areas of weakness or the description of the research paper project provided above. Do note that because this is a volunteer-based service, you may have to wait to get feedback. You can read more about this service at Essay Forum's Frequently Asked Questions(opens in a new tab).
Fast Fashion Should Be Regulated Due to Environmental Degradation
Introduction
Fashion has become a major part of people's lives everywhere in this modern world. We tend to care about how we look and desire to have the latest or the most trendy apparel available. Fast fashion has made this possible for us in a revolutionary way by making it accessible to consumers at a fraction of the cost. This became addictive to some people and has contributed extensively to the proliferation of fast fashion industries such as Zara, H&M, Shein, and many others. However, beneath its surface of affordability and convenience came a hefty environmental price tag that impacted our planet at an alarming rate by contributing to waste pollution, depletion of resources, and social issues. Fast fashion's demand for cheap labor, unsustainable production processes, and its contribution to a culture of overconsumption is sparking a conversation about the true cost of looking stylish in today's world. As we confront the environmental degradation and human rights associated with this industry, we have to ask ourselves, is fast fashion truly worth the price we pay?
History of Fast Fashion
Fast Fashion is described as the rapid production of inexpensive, low-quality clothing that often mimics popular styles of fashion labels, big-name brands, and independent designers (Kelleber, 2024, para.1). According to Lit Hub, the history of mass production of clothing started in the 19th century made by impoverished pieceworkers after the rise of textile mills, followed by corsets at mid-century. Before the Civil War, the only ready-to-wear outer garments available were made for sailors and slaves (Thanhauser, 2022, para. 2). After the Civil War, factories that were producing military uniforms shifted to making men's suits, and later, women's clothing like cloaks, jackets other garments which helped bring high-end fashion within reach of the working class. By the 1880s, German-Jewish immigrants played an important role in expanding the ready-to-wear industry, specifically in New York City. The value of production increased dramatically, and the number of manufacturers and workers grew rapidly. By 1920, women's fashion dominated the industry, accounting for about 76% of production. Garments were made seasonally through a system controlled by "jobbers," who sourced patterns and managed the flow of materials. While mass production made fashion affordable, it also perpetuated exploitation for workers who were mainly immigrants who were underpaid and worked in poor conditions. This contributed to laying the groundwork for later labor movements (Thanhauser, 2022, para.3-9).
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
The rapid production of low-cost clothing in fast fashion leads to a throwaway culture due to consumers wanting the newest styles in the market. Globally, about 80-100 billion new clothing garments are produced every year, at least 92 million tons of textile waste yearly, and 87% of that are materials used to make clothing that end up in landfills (Ruiz, 2024, para. 3). According to UN Climate Change News, the production of clothes in fashion industry accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions more than all international flights, and shipping combined (UN Climate Change News, 2018, para. 1). The majority of this stems from synthetic fibers like polyester that are made from fossil fuels, which are not renewable resources causing ramp-up in greenhouse gas emissions.
One cannot deny that color is the catalyst for sales success because it's the first thing consumers notice about a garment. Therefore, the process of dyeing and the finishing phase is essential in this process requiring about 200 tons of water or more for every ton of textile produced. For example, 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans. From this, only 5% of the raw material is contained within the garment, and about 95% of the material process becomes hidden water. This means that the toxic soap of chemicals is being discarded into our water systems and flows into our rivers and oceans, making it harmful to people as well as accounting for being the second largest polluter of water (Benson, 2019, para. 1-2), (Maiti, 2024, para. 6).
Unethical Labor Practices
To keep up with the rapid production of clothing and its sustainability, many fast fashion companies sought a way to cut costs in the supply chain by taking their production in developing countries to take advantage of cheaper labor costs and fewer regulations. This encourages companies to engage in unethical labor practices in order to create a high volume of clothing. For example, H&M creates 52 "miro-seasons" a year, one for every week. This pattern created a culture of massive demand for apparel and the creation of approximately 53 million tons of clothing annually at a low cost (Ross, 2021, para. 2).
Oftentimes, Fashion companies relocate their subsidiaries to countries like Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh to take advantage of the lack of oversight in textile production. This minimizes the control over their supply chains because brands can avoid legal responsibilities for unethical practices that allow them to produce clothing at such a low cost. This lack of regulation enables them to sidestep accountability for worker exploitation. However, the increasing public awareness of labor abuses is making it harder for these companies to ignore the exploitation of their workers (Ross, 2021, para.3). A notable example of this occurred on April 24, 2013, when the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh came crashing down, killing 1,134, and leaving thousands of people that were injured. This was a tragic incident within the global fashion supply chain that drew attention to the exploitative practices prevalent in the fast fashion industry including poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of safety measures (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2024, para. 1).
The Need for Regulation
It is plain to see that the fast fashion industry urgently needs regulation due to its significant impact environmentally, socially, and ethically. The rapid production cycles that are designed to deliver new trends at low prices come with undesirable outcomes that often rely on exploitative labor practices with workers in developing countries facing poor wages, unsafe conditions, and limited rights. Additionally, the massive volume of cheap clothing produced contributes to a staggering amount of textile waste, pollution, and overuse of natural resources, ultimately harming our planet. Government and clothing companies need to address stricter policies and create awareness of the environmental and social impacts of fashion industries. According to no-kill magazine, they've stated that on June 1, 2023, the EU parliament voted to pass a set of recommendations to protect against fast fashion, ban the destruction of unused goods, and promote and support garment workers' rights (para.3).
Efforts of Sustainability Practices
The environmental and social cost of the fashion industry forces us to stress the need for more sustainable business models and practices. Furthermore, certain textiles of clothes are detrimental on human health. For example, Benzothiazole is a chemical commonly used in textile processing, and its permeation through fabrics raises concerns about human exposure to this compound. Prolonged contact with this compound may lead to dermal absorption, as well as skin irritation nd allergic reactions in some individuals (State Of Matter, 2023, para.12). For this reason, it is paramount that we must hold fashion industries and our community accountable for sustainability practices. According to Marshall from Immago, sustainable fashion is a way in which brands create clothing that not only reduces the impact on the environment and is mindful of the people who work to produce the garments. In simple terms, it is a fashion that is ethically made and environmentally friendly (Marshall, 2022, para. 2). As fashion industry continues to grow, we should also move towards sustainability. If we encourage and educate our community, we can create a change together. One of the few brands that practices sustainability is a well known brand called Patagonia for outerwear. They use Fair Trade Certified factories and sources most of its fabrics from sustainably produced materials. They even went as far as donating 98% of Patagonia's stock to the Holdfast Collective who are nonprofit organization that combats climate change (Burkhardt, 2024, para. 18).
Conclusion
While fast fashion has made trendy clothing more accessible than ever, it comes with a hefty cost to both people and our environment. The environmental damage caused by waste pollution, and the overused of the resources are staggering, while the exploitation of workers in developing countries highlights the darker side of the industry. As consumers, we often find ourselves caught up in the affordability of ever changing styles however, it's important to note the true cost of this convenience. The need for regulation is clear that government and fashion industry must step up to ensure fair labor practices and sustainable production methods. Thankfully, there are brands like Patagonia that are already showing that it's possible to do things differently even if adaptability is challenging. If we want to create a products that's not just fast, but responsible and ethical, it will take collective effort as a society to push for change and make more mindful choices. We can only accomplish this by addressing these issues head on in order to build a fashion world that truly values both people and our environment.
References
