Better to shop fairly than quickly
What does «fast fashion» mean?
Translated, this means «fast fashion». It means that many fashion chains produce and sell their clothes very quickly. Some bring out a new collection every few weeks. They are constantly checking out new trends, for example at important fashion shows. They then have the items copied with slight modifications and shortly afterwards the latest fashion is hanging in the shop.
What problems are there?
The fashion chains earn a lot of money, and customers are happy about inexpensive, trendy fashion. But fast fashion also causes a lot of problems:
It is unfair for the people who make the clothes. It is often produced in countries where workers earn very little money, for example in Bangladesh, India or Cambodia. They are allowed far too few breaks and often have to deal with toxic chemicals.
It harms the environment. The toxic chemicals from the factories often end up in nature. In addition, a lot of exhaust fumes are produced during production in the factories and during transport by aeroplane, ship or lorry. This is also bad for the environment.
Fast fashion produces a lot of waste. The quality of the garments is often so poor that they quickly break and are thrown away. What's more, almost half of the clothing produced is never sold and is destroyed unworn, usually incinerated.
In recent years, however, more and more shops and labels for sustainable fashion have emerged. You can find an overview at getchanged.net, for example.
Further information on fast and fair fashion can be found at Fashion Revolution Switzerland.
What can I do?
- Don't buy too many clothes! Ask yourself before every purchase: «Do I really need this?» Treat yourself to a special item every now and then rather than constantly buying new cheap items.
- Don't buy everything new! Look in second-hand shops or online clothing exchanges for casual second-hand items. And if you no longer like your clothes or they have become too small: pass them on!
- Buy «fair fashion», i.e. fashion that is produced in a way that is fair to people and the environment. There are now more and more labels and seals that stand for such fair production.
