The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion vs Slow Fashion
Hot topic! We have a lot of feelings about this fast fashion era. However, in recent years the fashion industry has come under some scrutiny for it’s significant environmental impact. People are becoming more and more aware of their ecological footprint of their clothing choices, and so the terms “fast fashion”, and “slow fashion” have emerged as opposing forces in the global consumer marketplace. Consumers are beginning to understand the differences between these two models, and that it’s crucial to make informed decisions that can help protect our planet. But, we still have a long way to go.
Fast fashion is basically the rapid production of inexpensive clothing to meet the latest trends, offering new collections every few weeks. Making trendy clothing more accessible and affordable - But how many are aware of the environmental impacts?
The fashion industry is one of the largest consumers of water. Producing a single cotton t-shirt can require up to 2,700 litres of water. Fast fashion relies heavily on fossil fuels for production, transportation, and synthetic fibre creation. This contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Then we have chemical use, the dying and finishing processes involve toxic chemicals that often end up in our water ways, harming aquatic life and contaminating drinking water. Synthetic fibres like polyester shed microplastics during washing, which eventually make their way into the oceans, affecting marine life and entering the food chain. Fast fashion encourages overconsumption leading to enourmous amounts of textile waste. All ending up in landfills, or incinerated. Certain fabrics like Rayon involves deforestation as tree’s are cut down to create wood pulp. This sadly contributes to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Slow fashion is the exact opposite. It emphasizes quality, sustainability, and ethical production. Creating fewer, better quality garments that are designed to last. Most brands that embrace slow fashion use eco-friendly materials and prioritize fair labor practices. Slow fashion brands often use organic or recycled materials that require less water and energy. For instance - organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and with more sustainable water practices. Slow fashion garments also have longevity. Made with high quality materials and craftsmanship, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby conserving resources. Additionally many slow fashion brands use natural dyes and environmentally friendly processes that minimize chemical run off and pollution minimizing microplastic release. Thoughtful production produces smaller quantities and often made to order systems to avoid overproduction. Brands committed to slow fashion often source materials from sustainably managed forests, helping preserve ecosystems and biodiversity. If you care what you put in your mouth and into your bodies, you should care about what you wear on your body too.
Now, we get it. Fast and affordable is king this day and age. So how can you make the switch?
Start slow.
You have to have something trendy, and not ready to give up a brand yet - find it used on marketplace!
Buy what you need. Choose well. Go vintage shopping. Support local. Educate yourself and others!
The great news is, there are tons of amazing ethical brands popping up (we’ve included a list below). Many that are affordable. The clothing will feel good, no toxic off gassing… and trust us, you will feel confident in your clothing knowing where it came from, that you supported a brand that is doing good for the environment.
The shift from fast fashion to slow fashion is a necessary movement towards a more sustainable and ethical future. By understanding the profound impacts of your clothing choices, we can all play a role in fostering a more responsible fashion industry.
Embrace the change! And please support slow fashion.
Your friends at Oceanseen.
Kotn - www.kotn.com
Encircled - www.encircled.ca
Frank and Oak - www.frankandoak.com
Tentree - www.tentree.ca
Allbirds - www.allbirds.ca
Cariuma - www.cariuma.com
Patagonia - www.patagonia.ca
Good Tee - www.thegoodtee.com
Harley Jae - www.harlyjae.com
Free Label - www.freelabel.com
Noble - www.shopnoble.com
Ecologyst - www.ecologyst.com
Modern Sunday - www.modernsundaythelabel.com
Wildflo Studio - www.wildflostudio.com
Slate Wearables - www.slatewearables.com
Fenntessa - www.fenntessa.com
Thea J Chesterman - www.theajpajamas.ca
Bare knitwear - www.bareknitwear.ca
Reformation - www.thereformation.com
Suzanne - www.sezane.com/ca
Everlane - www.everlane.com
