The True Cost
Hey there sewing friend !
Fast fashion might seem like a great deal with its trendy styles at unbeatable prices, but there's a darker side that we often overlook. This documentary pulls back the curtain on the fashion industry, revealing the environmental damage and human suffering that goes into producing the cheap garments we often take for granted. From polluted rivers to exploitative labour practices, the true cost of our clothes is much higher than we might think.Looking back, this film was step one for me on my marathon to sewing a sustainable wardrobe. They say, “The first step is always the hardest one to take,” but I would disagree. Once I sat myself down in my university auditorium, the lights went down, and the screen lit up, I knew then and there that I was in for the long haul.Circa 2019, I was a self-proclaimed “fast fashion girlie” with 95% of my wardrobe being purchased from stores like TopShop and Glassons – a fact that I am not proud of but important to state as a starting point on my journey to sewing my sustainable wardrobe. Over the past six years, I have slowly started to reclaim my wardrobe with garments I have sewn, thrifted, and upcycled myself. Now, 95% of my wardrobe is handmade, and I couldn't be prouder of this transformation.Environmental
Fast fashion takes a heavy blow on our environment. One major issue is water consumption and pollution. The fashion industry uses an enormous amount of water, especially in cotton farming, which is one of the most water-intensive crops. For example, it takes about 2,700 liters of water to grow enough cotton to make just one T-shirt. Even more staggering, producing a single pair of jeans requires around 7,500 litres of water, which is equivalent to the amount of water one person drinks in seven years .Additionally, the process of dyeing and finishing textiles requires vast amounts of water, often leading to water scarcity in areas where these activities are concentrated. On top of that, the chemicals used in these processes can contaminate local water supplies, harming both ecosystems and human health.The carbon footprint of fast fashion is also significant, with the production and transportation of garments contributing substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. Lastly, the trend of quickly discarding clothes leads to massive waste, with tons of textiles ending up in landfills. Many of these items are made from synthetic fibers that don’t biodegrade, causing long-term pollution.
Working conditions
Behind every bargain in the fast fashion industry, there's often a hidden human cost. Garment workers, primarily in developing countries, face harsh realities daily. They work in unsafe and unhealthy conditions, often in factories that are pressured to produce clothing at the lowest possible costs. This means long hours, meager wages, and environments that lack basic safety measures.For instance, the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh in 2013, which killed over 1,100 workers, highlighted the extreme dangers these workers face. Additionally, many garment workers lack labor rights and union representation, making it difficult for them to advocate for better conditions and fair pay. The documentary reveals personal stories of workers who endure exploitation and harassment, sacrificing their health and family time just to make ends meet. It's a stark reminder of the human suffering that often goes unnoticed behind our cheap clothes.
Consumption
Fast fashion has dramatically changed how we consume clothing, promoting a culture of overconsumption. The low prices and rapid turnover of styles encourage consumers to buy more than they need, often leading to waste. The world now consumes 400% more clothing than it did two decades ago, with the fashion industry producing between 80-90 billion new garments each year. This surge in consumption means that many clothes are quickly discarded, contributing to the massive waste problem.
Additionally, the documentary emphasizes the psychological aspect of fast fashion. As essential items like housing and healthcare become more expensive, people find comfort in buying cheap clothing, providing a sense of control and temporary satisfaction. However, this cycle of constant buying and discarding not only harms the environment but also perpetuates the exploitation of workers who produce these garments under poor conditions. The documentary urges us to be more mindful of our purchasing habits, encouraging us to buy less, choose better quality, and support brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
Final Thoughts
Where you are now is just the start. It's very easy to shy away from big issues like the fast fashion industry. Just remember, one step at a time. It is ok to buy clothing items from the fast fashion industry, I still do when it comes to underwear/ sportswear, a fact I will never bury the evidence about) it's all about knowing what you are buying into and making a choice to do so. The most sustainable item is one that never got made, up-cycle, shop second hand and sew your stash when you can.Talk soon, Annie xx