Fast fashion is bad for our fragile planet and bad for people, too. This phrase refers to the speed of a whole range of things: how quickly clothes are made, seasonal changes in fashion, snap customer decision-making – and, of course, clothes being quickly discarded. This whole process has huge consequences – from the fashion industry’s vast carbon footprint to the exploitation of garment workers.
It’s time to slow down.
The benefits of slow fashion
Slow fashion producers think carefully about every part of their business to become more ethical, sustainable and climate friendly. They scrutinize every aspect of their (often local) supply chain to make sure it has less impact on the planet and takes care of everyone involved.
The world is gradually waking up to the importance of slow fashion. The Ellen McArthur Foundation is just one of many organizations looking to solve the problem of fast fashion.
A 2-minute video from the Ellen McArthur Foundation on a more sustainable way of making textiles
What can we do to help?
Each one of us can help all of us move towards slow fashion. Here are just a few ways you can make a difference:
- Don’t buy as much new. Shop second-hand or vintage, do a clothes swap with friends, or rent instead of buying.
- Buy fewer, better clothes – and look after them, like by washing less often and at lower temperatures.
- Choose the most ethical brands. This handy guide from The Ethical Consumer Group ranks some of the leading high-street brands in terms of sustainability. It’s often best to choose small, ethical and local producers.
- Be thoughtful about materials. To make more sustainable choices, we need to understand the impact of materials. The Eco Stylist lists some of the choices and explains more about the best and the worst.
With the fashion industry using 93 billion cubic meters of water each year – enough to meet the consumption needs of five million people – we all need to step up. And slow down.