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Fashion

Unveiling the True Cost of Fast Fashion – Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Alternatives

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In the age of fast fashion, where trends come and go at the speed of light, and influencer culture is the strongest it has ever been, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of inexpensive clothing options offered by companies like Shein, H & M, primark and Zara. However, beneath the surface of their trendy façades lies a darker truth: the environmental toll of fast fashion.

In this blog post, I delve into the unsustainable practices of the fast fashion industry and how influencer culture is encouraging the overconsumption of fast fashion. Furthermore, I will explore alternative brands you should consider that prioritise sustainability without compromising style.

The Truth Behind Fast Fashion:

Credit: Francois Le Nguyen, Unsplash
Overconsumption and Waste:

Fast fashion brands thrive on the principle of producing clothing quickly and inexpensively, leading to a culture of overconsumption. Consumers are encouraged to constantly purchase new items to keep up with fleeting trends, resulting in massive amounts of clothing ending up in landfills.

With their low prices and endless array of styles, Shein and primark have become favourites among fashion-forward consumers worldwide and I too have fallen victim in the past to its allure blindly contributing to the waste.

Credit: Perytskyy, Unsplash
Pollution and Resource Depletion:

The production of fast fashion uses extensive amounts of natural resources such as raw materials, energy and water. Additionally, the reliance on synthetic fibres like polyester contributes to pollution during manufacturing processes. Chemical dyes and treatments further contaminate waterways, harming ecosystems and communities near production facilities. Furthermore, the transportation of clothing from factories to global markets adds to carbon emissions and air pollution.

Credit: Rio Lecatompessy, Unsplash
Ethical Concerns: 

The relentless drive for low costs in fast fashion frequently results in the compromise of ethical labor standards. Workers in garment factories, especially in developing countries, suffer low wages, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation. The demand to fulfil strict deadlines and production targets worsens these problems, leading to human rights abuses and inadequate livelihoods for garment workers.

For more information, here’s a video explaining the impacts of fast-fashion on our planet:

Source: YouTube, The Planet Voice

Facts that have not been made to scare you..but should

  • Over 80 billion new pieces of clothing are bought each year worldwide.
  • 85% of discarded clothing ends up in landfills.
  • Textiles account for almost 35% of the global microplastic pollution.
  • 40 million people work in fast fashion worldwide.
  • 92 million metric tones of textiles waste is produced each year.
  • 93% of brands surveyed by the Fashion Checker aren’t paying garment workers a living wage.

 

Credit: MTStock Studio, Unsplash

Breaking the Haul: how influencer culture is supporting the dark side of fashion

Influencer culture has revolutionised the way we consume and perceive fashion, with social media influencers wielding significant influence over consumer behaviour. One prominent trend within influencer culture is the promotion of fast fashion hauls, where influencers showcase their latest purchases from brands like Shein, H&M, and Zara. While these hauls may seem harmless and even aspirational on the surface, they often have detrimental effects on both individuals and the environment.

  • Videos tagged with #haul on TikTok have been viewed more than 49 billion times as of 2023 and this continues to increase every minute.

The promotion of fast fashion hauls perpetuates a culture of overconsumption and disposability. Influencers, often incentivised by brand partnerships and affiliate programs, encourage their followers to constantly purchase new clothing items to stay on-trend. This relentless cycle of consumption not only strains individuals’ finances but also contributes to the growing problem of textile waste, as garments are discarded after being worn a couple times.

By glamorising these brands through haul videos, influencers inadvertently endorse and normalise these harmful practices, further rooting the fast fashion model in our society.

In conclusion, influencer culture promoting fast fashion hauls perpetuates a damaging cycle of overconsumption, disposability, and exploitation. It’s crucial for influencers and consumers alike to recognise the negative impact of these hauls and instead advocate for more sustainable and ethical fashion choices.

Do Social Media Influencers actually affect consumers? 

Source: YouTube, Vox Pops International

 

Credit: Gorica Poturak, Unsplash

Sustainable Fashion Alternatives:

Fortunately for you, we are not all doomed just yet! There is a growing movement towards sustainable fashion, with brands that prioritise ethical production practices and environmental responsibility.

Read here why shopping sustainably matters

Here are some sustainable alternatives that have been specially selected by me:

1. Lucy & Yak:
Source: Lucy & Yak Website

 Lucy & Yak is a UK-based brand known for its colourful and quirky clothing made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics. Despite its eco-friendly focus, Lucy & Yak offers affordable options, including their signature dungarees and playful tops, making sustainable fashion accessible to all.

Shop here!

 

2. Reformation:

Source: Reformation website

Reformation is a fashion label that focuses on sustainable materials and ethical production. Their clothing is made from eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL lyocell, recycled cotton, and dead-stock fabrics. Reformation also priorities supply chain transparency, so consumers can trace the journey of their garments from raw materials to finished products.

Shop here!

  

3. TALA:

Source: TALA website

 TALA is a sustainable activewear brand that emphasizes inclusivity, affordability, and sustainability. Their stylish and functional workout gear is made from recycled materials and produced in ethical factories. TALA’s commitment to affordability ensures that eco-conscious activewear is accessible to everyone, without compromising on quality or style.

Shop here! 

6. Vinted

Source: Vinted website

Finally, if you are looking for affordable second-hand clothing Vinted is a great online marketplace where individuals can buy, sell and swap their clothing, shoes, accessories and other items. Not only does it provide a platform for users to declutter their wardrobe, it also contributes to sustainable fashion practices.

Shop here!

Conclusion:

While Shein, Primark, H & M and similar brands, may offer cheap and trendy clothing options, its fast fashion model comes at a significant environmental cost. From overconsumption and waste to environmental pollution, their practices contribute to the degradation of our planet.

However, by using our suggested list and supporting sustainable fashion brands that prioritise ethical production and environmental responsibility, you can make a positive impact and promote a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. Let’s choose quality over quantity, and style with a conscience.

Here’s a 7 minute video unveiling the lies that sell fast-fashion:

Source: YouTube, Vox

Do you really want to make a difference?

Click here to sign a petition that is working against the fast fashion industry, encouraging consumers to rethink the clothes on their backs and pledge to stop fast fashion.

 

 

 

 

 

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Keeping Fit and Healthy as a Busy Student on a Budget

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Being a student it can be hard to get into a routine of healthy exercise, even more so when balancing University work alongside. A look online will bring up a wide range of articles and fitness classes to read and take part in. In this blog I want to offer some guidance as to how you can keep fit and healthy as a busy student on a budget.

My housemates have been trying to get me participating in workouts with them however, I have always had the same feelings when asked. There has always been a high financial commitment attached to joining the gym which has always been off putting for me. Even with the more competitive price of the University gym, I still find the gym as too high of a financial commitment. However, the gym is not the only place to effectively participate in a work out, there are many low cost options of staying fit and healthy that can be considered.

With the introduction of lock down last year I soon found myself looking for ways that I could stay active during those times. Home workouts soon found themselves established into my daily routines. Here are a few of the best ways that I have found to start your health and fitness routine!

Stay Hydrated

Glass of Water by Manu Schwendener on Unsplash

Staying hydrated is an extremely important way of keeping healthy. The NHS recommends that we drink around 6-8 glasses of fluid per day.  The easiest way to do this is to just simply have a glass of water with you whilst you’re studying. I have found this to be an extremely easy way of keeping healthy whilst I am at University. If you are not a fan of water on it’s own you can always add no sugar fruit juice or even a slice of lemon.

Water can also be useful in other areas of fitness such as being used in weight loss treatments, more information can be found here.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Keeping a healthy diet has just as much of an impact on your body as exercise can. If you are exercising you need to maintain a healthy diet otherwise all the hard work being put in is being wasted with a poor diet. Here is a link to an article where there is more information about how eating a balanced diet complements exercise.

When looking to change my diet, I found that one of my favorite ways of satisfying my hunger was through snacking. Everyone loves a snack, I probably love them a bit too much if I am being completely honest. To incorporate more of a balanced diet into my lifestyle, I have tried to start swapping out my snacks for a piece of fruit instead.

It is also important for you to eat properly before and after a workout. Here is a short blog on what you should eat before and after a workout. I would recommend giving this a read before attempting any workouts to ensure that training is effective.

Head Out For a Walk

Walking by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash

Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways for keeping fit and healthy as a student. Going out for a quick walk has been one of the best ways I have used to stay fit and healthy as a student. A full walking routine does not even have to be implemented into your day, simply walking to the shops instead of driving has the potential for huge benefits to your well being.

I have personally seen improvements to my mood since walking to the shops rather than driving. Being out in open space for a small amount of time is a nice change of scenery which has been a real boost for my mental health. More information on walking and mental health can be found here.  There are other perks of walking too as you get to discover the local area, opening up potential to find new walking routes to try out in the future.

Do not worry if you do not get the chance to go out for a walk. In the next section we are going to look as home workouts as an alternative way to keeping fit and healthy.

Home workouts

Home workouts are another great way that you can stay fit and healthy in your own time. There are an abundance of products that you can try with various workouts that can be used in conjunction with the products. As this blog is more focused on sticking to a budget, products suggested will have multiple uses to maximize the costs of the products.

  • Resistance Bands are a cheap and versatile way of easing into home workouts. Prices start at £15.99 with different prices being found dependent on the resistance of the band. The bands can be used for a full-body workout which I will link here.
  • Dumbbells are another low cost way to start home workouts. Prices start at £13.75 for 2 x 1 kg Dumbbells with prices increasing as the weight increases. Dumbbells can be used for any level too so whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced gym goer, an effective workout can be achieved with dumbbells. I will link a 6 week beginners dumbbell workout here and I will link an arm and upper body workout here.

Dumbbells and Resistance Bands by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

So, here are some really easy and simple ways you can begin to get yourself into a really good healthy routine. Sticking to the new routine will be hard at first, but stick at it! The benefits in the long run are worth it over the initial breaking into the new routine period and you will begin to feel so much better.