An article on Earth.org defined fast fashion as, “cheaply produced and priced garments that copy the latest catwalk styles and get pumped quickly through stores in order to maximize on current trends” (Rashmila Maiti, 2020). Brands such as Zara, H&M, Forever 21, and Shein are fast fashion's main contenders. With these brands making clothes so ungodly fast means employees in foreign countries are working in terrible conditions. An eye-opening quote from Borgen magazine says, “Since fast fashion requires speedy production, the factories that employ Chinese workers are dangerous and pose serious health risks. Sweatshop workers live in crowded dormitories and have no access to childcare. Furthermore, there is a high risk of exposure to harmful molecules like silica dust and lead” (Simpson, 2020). Not only do the employees work in unsafe environments, but the fabrics also need to be up to date with the trends meaning they need to use synthetic cotton for these clothes to only be worn once and then thrown out. Maiti reported that the “New York Times describes Zara’s mission to take only 15 days for a garment to go from the design stage to being sold in stores” (2020). Fashion is supposed to be an expression of art. And art takes time. These brands may have started a trend that could ruin the future of fashion for future generations. Clothes will never be made the same again. The company Investopedia summarized the current trend perfectly, “Shopping for clothing was once considered an event. Consumers would save up to buy new clothes at certain times of the year”( Haynes, 2021). It seems now that all shopping is just for entertainment.

Keeping in mind the definition of fast fashion, what does this type of industry do to planet Earth? A quote by Princeton College states, “it takes 10,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of cotton or approximately 3,000 liters of water for one cotton shirt. Furthermore, textile dyeing requires toxic chemicals that subsequently end up in our oceans”(Ngan Le,2020). Taking this into consideration, this is why it’s important to recycle clothing or to donate to local thrift stores instead of just throwing away a simple tee-shirt. Touching back on the topic of synthetic cotton, “approximately 35% of all microplastics are from these synthetic materials”(Ngan Le, 2020). This means clothes that are made of plastic have the possibility of creating high numbers of carbon emissions. 

Speaking of carbon emissions, a statistic from The World Bank Organization finds, “The fashion industry is responsible for 10 % of annual global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. At this pace, the fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions will surge more than 50 % by 2030”(2019). This is an accelerating problem if people do not start doing something about it now it will affect Earth's climate and there is no going back. 

According to the World Bank Organization, there are three useful tips to help make anyone’s closet more sustainable. First, “Consider quality over quantity. Every additional year a garment is worn means less pollution. Cheap clothing often doesn't survive the wash cycle, meaning that in the long run, you don’t save money compared with buying better quality garments.” Second, “Buy only what you need. In some countries, 40 % of purchased clothing is never used.” Third, “Be creative in combining garments and recycle them after they wear out. Donating clothes is always an option” (2020). These three suggestions allow everyone to enjoy fashion while supporting the environment for future generations. 

In conclusion, fast fashion has had a great impact on people's closets and yet the result has left the Earth with excessive water usage, pollution, and carbon emissions. It’s time to disrupt this unhealthy process. Help out the Earth’s environment through sustainable fashion habits like thrift shopping, donating clothes, and shopping at sustainable stores.