The True Cost of Fashion
Normally when you think of the fashion industry, the first thought that comes to mind is one that would suggest it is a world filled with luxury, glamour and a globalised masterpiece. However, in reality the fashion industry is actually the second most harmful industry in the world to effect the environment around us and consequently, our health. Many would suggest differently or go against this assumption but if there's one factor that has arguably caused this issue in the world, it is the concept of 'Fast Fashion'.
One example of how fashion has become faster in the past twenty years is the observation of more and more styles from high end designers being trickled down into the high street market as retailers have started to make more affordable copies of certain trends. It was even found in 2007 that high street retailers were able to replicate these designer garments and have them on sale within a shocking six weeks from the first production.
Although first reading this, it does not seem like such a bad idea, and if anything, purchasing clothes to fit the current trend at a quicker speed and affordable price is a shopaholics dream. However, due to these demanding deadlines for the finalisations of clothing and the lack of health and safety regulations inputted in the factories where the production takes place, the real outcome of this 'Fast Fashion' concept, is one filled with negativity, sadness and devastating consequences. For instance, one disaster (which was also featured in the documentary 'The True Cost of Fashion') was the collapse of Rana Plaza in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2013 which killed a disturbing total of 1,129 and injured 2,515. Although it is arguable, this disaster was due to poor health and safety regulation and the ignorance of the factory owners after being given a number of warnings about the potential collapse of the building. This is just one example of a disaster but it certainly is enough to shock the world and definitely open my eyes to the consequences that Fast Fashion can lead to. Furthermore, what is even more shocking is that majority of these disasters have taken place in third world countries where brands such as H&M, Zara and Uniqlo locate their production factories.
Although the price of our clothes continue to decrease as the years pass due to Fast Fashion, those who actually create our clothing fundamentally pay the price with the loss of their lives due to this harsh reality. Obviously, it is not possible to stop a person from purchasing their clothes from these brands because truthfully I am someone who is guilty of this. However, better working conditions and stronger regulations against those running these factories needs to be put into place before another disaster like Rana Plaza happens again.
Another example of how the fashion industry has effected the environment is this satellite image taken by NASA of the Aral Sea in central Asia. As you can see in the image taken in August 2015, there is hardly any water left in the Aral Sea in comparison to the image taken in 2000. The reason why? The now dried up sea has been contaminated with deathly agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides unfortunately leaving just a small pool of polluted water and a public health hazard. Obviously you are probably wondering what this disappearance of water has to do with the fashion industry and the answer is that Uzbek cotton plantations have constantly irrigated the water since the 1950's, causing major damages to the once fourth largest lake in the world and the environment in general.
August 2000
August 2015
Whilst on the topic of toxic chemicals, it was also found that in Xintang, China, many of their labourers are children and the elderly who work within the production of creating jeans for retailers. Even though the idea of using children as forced labourers is bad enough, to achieve the colour of the jeans, these children and elders are being provided with toxic dyes to achieve the colouring which has extreme effects on their healths. It is also found that these workers are more likely to die from cancer than anyone else in the world. Xintang may be the 'Jean Capital of the World' but for that title it pays a deathly cost.
Apologies for my rant in this post! I just felt this subject was something I had to share after watching the documentary 'The True Cost of Fashion' which I would definitely recommend for you to watch at some point. I promise my next post will definitely be a lot more lighter hearted but thank you for taking your time to read about this important issue in the world!
As always,
Kate x
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