The Blood, Sweat, and Tears of Children’s Work
Fast fashion is a manufacturing, and marketing method focused on rapidly producing high volumes of trendy clothing for a cheap cost, and it is getting out of hand. Not only is it bad for the environment, but it takes a toll on the workers there as well. It dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams, while 85 percent of all textiles go to dumps each year. Fast fashion is sold to retail stores while the demand is high.
Stores such as Zara, Victoria’s Secret, and Forever 21 are some of the many places that we go to daily that participate in fast fashion. The main reasons why these companies are not good to purchase from are because they enforce child labor, have unfair paying wages, and are accused of copying models from high-end brands. They also make clothing from inexpensive materials that can easily get ruined. In the United States, 88 percent of consumers prefer shopping for fast fashion (panaprium.com) because it is convenient, trendy, and affordable. Madi Berry, a college student majoring in fashion said, “Every day people are buying from stores that are unreliable, there are many places that don’t participate in fast fashion, but are still within the budget.” Stores such as Nike, Patagonia, and Levi’s are all sustainable clothing brands.
Fast fashion may be quick, and easy to purchase; however, it needs to be stopped. There are many ways you can help. First, try not to buy from places that participate in this kind of practice. As high school student Emilia K says, “ use your voice, it is important for people to realize children are putting their whole lives into this, just to make us happy.” If we all come together to try and minimize this issue then it can be done.
Sources:
https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/fast-fashion-brands/
Abigail Zischang, Grade 12. Interests/hobbies include being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, baking, and traveling...
