Why You Definitely DO Have Something To Wear:
Fast fashion has become one of the hottest topics of 2018 and we could thank a certain Ms Dooley for that. Ever since she hit our screens with her documentary on ‘Fashion’s Dirty Secrets’ people have started to become more aware on the impact that the fashion industry is having on the planet.
Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping just as much as the next person. I am one of those people that will check ASOS like I check Instagram in the morning, or take my laptop to lectures just so I can browse through Topshop and Missguided, but ever since learning about the process behind the making of clothes, I’ve come to the realisation that despite clothing may be visually beautiful, the impact it is having on the world is ugly.
For all of those who haven’t watched Stacey Dooley’s ‘Fashion’s Dirty Secrets’ I recommend you do. Right now.
The documentary explores the shocking impact that our appetite for cheap clothing is having around the globe. Globally, over 100 billion new garments from new fibres are being produced every year and because of this the fashion industry is one of the top five most- polluting industries in the world.
In an experiment carried out in the documentary, Stacey discovers that it can take over 15,000 litres of water to grow cotton to make a pair of jeans- 15,000 litres!
Another issue addressed in the documentary is the chemical waste that comes from the cheap garment industry due to it just being discarded during the manufacturing process, resulting in river water being contaminated with toxic chemicals. These rivers are usually what locals rely on for bathing and washing clothes.
But where did the obsession with having masses of clothes in our wardrobe come from? In an era full of fashion bloggers showing their newest additions to watching our friends become ‘insta-famous’ based on their wardrobe, it’s no surprise that we feel as though the only way to aspire to their level is to try and keep up with them. And with being able to shop from the comfort of our own home (or lectures) it has never been easier to do so.
Retailers bring out a new collection every week, compared to the past when it was just seasonal, and most them offer next day delivery, making it that little bit easier to buy an outfit for an event which will probably been worn again. This is something that I have been guilty of doing in the past, as well only wearing something once to decide I don’t like it anymore; and don’t get me started on my spending when it comes to a sale. These are all habits that have become acceptable to do in our everyday lives.
So where does this leave us? For me to tell you that I’m never going to shop again would be dishonest and I’m not saying to stop buying clothes from your favourite well-loved brands; but to understand that as a consumer, it is you who has the power to make an impact on the change that needs to be done in the fashion industry.
Instead of buying a new outfit, borrow your friends clothes, or get creative with where you shop. Support charities by shopping second hand, or going to vintage shops to find some unique pieces.
Don’t have the time to sift through all the clothing personally? Check out ASOS market place for those who have already done the hard work of finding the best key items. These small steps are all manageable and accessible but will still have a big impact. As Vivienne Westwood once said “Buy less, choose well, make it last”.
Written by Phillipa Capewell
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