How to Quit Fast Fashion for Good

It's cheap, convenient, and provides instant gratification. No wonder fast fashion is trending everywhere, from shopping malls to TikTok reels. As if this weren't enough to lure you into the world of fast fashion, fast fashion brands also use clever tactics to attract customers.

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Beyond ultra-low price points, which make you think of fashion as disposable, these brands use cheap synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. After a few washes, these materials start to lose their shape, encouraging you to toss them and buy new ones.

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Fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion brands also leverage social media to create microtrends. They are fleeting fashion fads that rapidly spread on social media platforms, prompting consumers to constantly buy new outfits.

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Unfortunately, we are paying an environmental and social cost for this.

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The Environmental and Social Cost of Fast Fashion

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Fast fashion significantly impacts the environment and society. It accounts for 4% of global carbon emissions and consumes 93 billion cubic meters of water annually. Most clothes end up in landfills or incinerators, with 60% of materials being synthetic plastics that pollute oceans.

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Also read: 4 Charts that Prove Fast Fashion Can’t Be Sustainable

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Garment workers in the Global South face exploitation, with reports of 75-hour work weeks and meager pay. While convenient and affordable, fast fashion comes at a high cost to both the planet and people.

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Also listen: The Cure for Fast Fashion

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How Can You Move Away From Fast Fashion?

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• Unsubscribe from fast fashion marketing: Those sales emails and social media posts are tempting. Do yourself (and your wallet) a favor and hit that unsubscribe button and unfollow those accounts. Out of sight, out of mind!
• Think long-term: Sure, that $20 top looks great now, but will it last? Consider this: a $100 sustainable piece worn 50 times costs $2 per wear. That cheap $20 top worn just 4 times? $5 per wear. See the difference? Invest in quality, and your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
• Thrift it up: Check out local thrift stores or apps like Depop and ThredUp. You might score some amazing finds and help extend a garment's life.
• Love your clothes: Treat your clothes right, and they'll stick around longer. Read those care labels and air-dry instead of using the dryer. It's gentler on your clothes (and your energy bill). Need to fix a tear? Our Mending 101 Guide has got you covered.
• Favor personal style over trends: Fast fashion is fueled by trends. The more you learn to embrace and harness your personal style, the less you'll feel drawn to hop on shortlived trends and microtrends.
• Go for sustainable brands: Yeah, sustainable brands might cost more upfront. But remember, you're paying for fair wages and better materials. Plus, these clothes are built to last.

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