Environmental and Human Impacts of Fast Fashion
Environmental and Human Impacts of Fast Fashion
Environmental and Human Impacts of Fast Fashion
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/15/20230660
Abstract: The fashion industry undergoes constant evolution driven by changes in consumer
preferences. Fast fashion is loved by many by selling large quantities of different styles of
clothing cheaply and updating them very quickly. However, with the increasing popularity of
fast fashion as consumption trends, environmental concerns and human rights are gaining
more attention. Issues such as resource overexploitation and injustice for workers are
becoming prominent topics of discussion among the public. In this context, this study aims
to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ecological and human impact of minimalist
clothing and fast fashion, with a focal point highlighting the significance of environmental
issues in the fashion industry. The study will examine key aspects such as resource
consumption, waste production, and labour rights to discuss the impact of these fashion
choices on the environment and humanity. The study concludes that the negative impacts of
fast fashion are not only environmental but also human rights. These findings emphasize the
need for the fashion industry to shift towards sustainability. By highlighting the
environmental impact of fast fashion, this study seeks to inspire positive changes in consumer
behavior and contribute to protecting workers’ rights and ecosystems. Stakeholders such as
consumers, brands and policymakers must unite to turn these insights into practical action to
create a fairer, greener fashion industry.
1. Introduction
With time, the fashion industry has undergone numerous transformations in response to changes in
consumer consumption patterns. Especially when novel consumption trends like fast fashion
increases significantly, they swiftly become the focal point of the fashion industry’s attention and
garner people’s affection. However, as concerns about natural resources and waste production have
intensified and the exploitation of workers’ rights, there is a growing awareness of the profound
human impact related to the fashion industry.
Fast fashion, as defined, refers to the rapid production model adopted by retailers to sell different
styles of inexpensive clothing for consumers to purchase within a short period. It is undeniable that
the fast fashion industry is favored by many people because of its inexpensive prices, and it also
boosts the economy. However, this attraction often leads them to overlook or ignore the harmful
effects of fast fashion, such as excessive consumption of resources, increased waste generation, and
the vast labour demand resulting in an excessive burden on workers. In response to this pressing issue,
this study will take a significant role in conducting a comprehensive analysis of fast fashion while
© 2023 The Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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2. Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is known for its rapid release of new styles that allow consumers to keep up with fashion
trends at a lower price. Undeniably, this consumption model has swiftly propelled the economic
development of related industries, offering more opportunities to entrepreneurs in this field and
positive impacts on the nation’s economy. In addition, fast fashion provides an opportunity for low-
income people to dress in similar styles as affluent people, thus reducing the class discrimination
generated by clothing [1]. Overall, the textile and fashion industry contributes both economically and
socially. However, concern exists about how rapid fashion affects the environment. The speed of fast
fashion often comes at the expense of human health and the environment [2]. The fashion business
has an influence on the environment since it generates more than 92 million tons of garbage each year
and uses 1.5 trillion liters of water [3]. As the fast fashion trend continues to grow in popularity, the
large number of orders further accelerates the harm caused by this model. This phenomenon not only
has a severe environmental impact but also raises profound questions in terms of human rights.
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DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/15/20230660
ingested by marine organisms, resulting in irreversible harm when they enter the human body. [7]. In
addition, textile dyeing is an essential part of the fashion industry. However, once untreated
wastewater is discharged into the local water system, it releases heavy metal substances that can
endanger the health of humans and animals [8].
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Besides women, child labour is a widespread phenomenon. The terrible environment of garment
factories causes irreversible physical and mental damage to children, seriously violates their
childhood rights and deprives them of the opportunity to enjoy their childhood. Garment
manufacturing factories can cause musculoskeletal, eye, and other physical injuries due to problems
such as poor lighting, prolonged repetition of an action, and vision fatigue [14]. It is considered
immoral to subject children to dangerous labour, to seek cheap labour, and to subject them to injuries
that even adults cannot bear. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, improper handling of fibre materials
and cotton, being a primary part of the manufacturing process, can impact human health. In some
low-income countries, the safety of working conditions is below standard, and poor ventilation, for
example, can lead to workers suffering from respiratory infections and even lung disease or cancer
[8].
4. Solution
The rapid development of fast fashion has brought about the dangers of excessive resource
consumption, environmental pollution and workers’ injustice. In particular, mass production and low
costs have led to heavy use of water resources and chemicals, which have aggravated the decline of
ecosystems. However, the problems caused by fast fashion are not insurmountable, with minimalism
being an effective solution. In recent years, the idea of a minimalist closet has gained significant
attention. The aim is to preserve environmental sustainability while embracing a more straightforward
and organized lifestyle. Minimalist fashion consumption supports the circular economy and focuses
on quality rather than quantity, thus promoting sustainable consumption [15]. Considering the
significant environmental impact of the garment industry and aiming to maximize the benefits of the
circular economy, the fashion industry should lead consumers to change their views on recycled
products and services [16]. Hence, what dimensions can minimalism contribute to the advancement
of sustainable development? The essence of minimalism is to reduce impulse shopping habits and
foster the development of conscious shopping. This shift affects overall consumption, leading to a
steady reduction in resource consumption and waste generation.
First of all, a minimalist closet achieves resource conservation by reducing the number of clothes.
Minimalist consumers shift their behavior from resource wastage to resource conservation,
exemplified by precise counting and purchasing only what they truly need [17]. Minimalism reduces
the need for textile materials by reducing the number of clothes purchased, thus reducing the
consumption of raw materials such as cotton and polyester fibers. This also signifies a reduction in
the amount of water resources needed and air pollution generated during clothing production, as well
as a decrease in the generation of discarded clothing, thereby achieving minimal pollution.
Next, narrow down the closet and make clothes circulate. Contrary to the idea of fast fashion,
minimalism promotes a recycled mode of clothing. A minimalist closet doesn’t just throw away
clothes after a short period of use; instead, it encourages individuals to extend the lifespan of each
garment. The research suggests that Reusing 100 cotton t-shirts reduces the global warming burden
by 14%, while using 65/35 polyester/cotton pants reduces the global warming burden by 23% [18].
Recycling garments is a better option than incineration. On the other hand, donating clothes is also
part of the recycling model. Between 400,000 and 700,000 tons of discarded clothing are burned or
landfilled annually, but most of this clothing still has a life expectancy of 70% [19]. Even clothes that
are considered outdated should not be thrown into trash bins; instead, they should be donated to
organizations that can provide warmth to those in need. Consequently, recycling lowers trash
production and is crucial to sustainability [20].
Last but not least, people should be more aware of sustainability. After witnessing the deteriorating
ecosystems, people should realize that the changes in the environment are a result of their lifestyle
habits. Although some consumers are concerned about sustainability, there is a lack of awareness
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about sustainable practices in fashion brands. The impact of sustainability factors is often overlooked
when purchasing clothes, and addressing this issue requires focusing marketing on the consumer [21].
Consumer disposal and environmental awareness throughout the textile life cycle are critical to
minimizing waste, and the amount of textile waste can be significantly reduced through reuse and
recycling rather than landfill [12].
All in all, the fashion industry should take environmental protection as the central premise and put
quality in the first place. Aiming for durability and high quality in production is not only a moral
demand but also a crucial step in ensuring the minimization of harm to the Earth. Consumption
patterns should be reevaluated to lessen the harmful effects of fast fashion on the environment and
society. In shifting consumption patterns, producers and consumers have a crucial role in preserving
the environment and the well-being of society.
5. Conclusions
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how fast fashion affects the environment and human rights
and offers some solutions. By encouraging people to adopt conscious consumption patterns, the
problem of minimizing the pollution of the earth’s resources can be achieved.
Fast fashion offers consumers a wide variety of stylish choices and is loved by people of all ages
at affordable prices. Nevertheless, there are many hidden dangers concerning fast fashion. Whether
it’s the irreversible pollution of water sources and air due to excessive exploitation of Earth’s
resources caused by massive orders; or the land contamination caused by the improper disposal of
vast quantities of discarded clothing, not to mention the deprivation of workers’ rights, the drawbacks
of fast fashion should not be minimized. Minimalism, as a sustainable consumption pattern,
emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality products, thereby reducing the frequency of
purchases and the consumption of resources. Minimalism stands in stark contrast to fast fashion and
contributes significantly to the protection of the earth’s resources. However, there are some
limitations to this paper. Due to limited length and resources, this study is only based on existing data
and research, and secondly, the correlation between fast fashion and minimalism is still lacking.
For future research, consumer perceptions of sustainability in different regions could be further
explored. Secondly, consideration should be given to how minimalist consumption patterns can be
promoted. In conclusion, given the degradation of the ecological and working environments caused
by fast fashion, shifting consumption patterns to sustainability will create a much greener world for
people and future generations.
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