Environmental and Human Impacts of Fast Fashion

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Proceedings of the International Conference on Global Politics and Socio-Humanities

DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/15/20230660

Environmental and Human Impacts of Fast Fashion


Boyi Fang1,a,*
1
University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
a. bfang030@uottawa.ca
*corresponding author

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.

Keywords: fast fashion, environmental concerns, ecosystem, human rights, minimalism

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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DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/15/20230660

emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility and labour rights in clothing


consumption, in addition to proposing solutions centred on minimalism.
The current gap in the literature is the lack of contrast between fast fashion and minimalism for
environmental and social responsibility. While fast fashion and minimalism have received a lot of
attention, there are limitations to analyzing the connection between these two consumption patterns.
Furthermore, the study of minimalism has been impeded by the swift rise of the fast fashion trend, as
a growing number of individuals are embracing the convenience of fast fashion while potentially
overlooking the more profound risks.
Overall, this paper examines waste generation, pollution impacts, and labour rights arising from
fast fashion within the framework of available data. In addition, it advances several recommendations
based on minimalism, thus striving to provide a thorough and detailed exploration of the injustices
inherent in the fast fashion industry.

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.

3. The Impact of Fast Fashion


3.1. Pollution From Resource Consumption
Firstly, there is pollution due to resource consumption in the production process. The exponential
depletion of ecosystems is exacerbated by the extensive usage of resources in order to meet the
demand for the rapid production of these inexpensive garments.
Foremost is the waste and pollution of water resources. Cotton is in high demand in the fashion
industry as the primary material for making garments. As the most beloved fabric, about 75% of all
clothing contains cotton [4]. Yet, the unnoticed fact is that producing a single kilogram of cotton
requires 20,000 liters of water [5]. This tremendous amount of water use has caused significant harm
to water resources. On the other hand, the chemicals used in growing cotton should not be overlooked.
Cotton consumes 25% of global insecticides and 10% of pesticides; in 2000, EPA associated these
cotton pesticides with potential human carcinogens [6]. The poor treatment of wastewater has the
potential to disrupt groundwater and destroy entire ecosystems because of the harmful chemicals used
in the manufacturing process. For instance, in 2008, 60% of the water pollution and 34% of the
chemical pollution in Cambodia were caused by the apparel industry. [3].
Additionally, the issue of marine pollution arises from the accumulation of marine waste. Due to
the rapid update of fast fashion, the wastewater generated from washing polyester fibers, a primary
fabric used, poses significant harm to the Earth. When polyester fibers are broken down into tiny
microfibers, they eventually enter the ocean through wastewater and cannot be filtered out by
wastewater treatment plants due to their small size. This leads to the accumulation of fibers being

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Proceedings of the International Conference on Global Politics and Socio-Humanities
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].

3.2. Pollution From Clothing Disposal


The second point is improper disposal of garments leading to contamination. The purpose of fast
fashion is to enable consumers to buy clothing frequently at low prices. However, this also results in
a shortened lifespan of clothing, leading consumers to dispose of unneeded clothing more regularly.
As early as 1995, denim generated over 70 million kilograms of waste in the U.S., with textile
waste accounting for approximately 4.5 percent of the total waste produced [9]. Annually, the average
American discards about 80 pounds of clothing and textiles, constituting roughly 5% of the total
capacity of all landfills [8]. Some discarded garments become solid waste, blocking water flows,
green spaces and parks while posing additional environmental health risks in some countries [8]. Due
to the vast amount of discarded clothing, most of it will be destroyed by incineration. Greenhouse
gases (CO2, CH4, etc.) from incineration are the primary factors in global warming [10].
Subsequently, gaseous emissions were recognized as the textile industry’s second-worst
environmental issue [6]. Chemicals can release toxic substances such as formaldehyde during
processing. In 2015, polyester textiles generated 1.5 trillion pounds of greenhouse gases [1]. Such a
significant figure has a massive impact on global warming, which threatens not only ecosystems but
also human health.
On the other hand, landfills are the main disposal option for waste in modern times [11]. However,
some non-biodegradable materials in clothing, such as polyester fibers, it takes up to 200 years to
decompose, and 72% of our clothing requires this material [12]. Thus can impose irreversible effects
on the soil. The breakdown of these substances releases toxic greenhouse gases, contributing to direct
or indirect pollution, this also means that the textile industry needs to do a proper management of
wastes [13]. People’s demand for textiles is gradually rising, an average of 99 million tons of clothing
need to be produced each year to satisfy people’s needs, and most of the clothes have long been
unable to meet with polyester fiber. In order to save time and costs, textile factories must use synthetic
and harmful dyes to mass-produce garments. As a result, these poor-quality materials can be a threat
if they are improperly landfilled, especially since synthetics have the risk of not composting. [12].

3.3. Work’s Right


The third issue is that due to the enormous production volume, many workers’ rights are deprived by
capitalists. To satisfy the growing demand for fast fashion and inexpensive clothing, some brands, in
order to reduce production costs, not only use inferior materials but also deprive workers of their
rights so that they can maximize their profits.
Many workers are experiencing harsh working environments, long hours and low incomes. In
India, in some factories with large orders, including child labour, workers are forced to work
continuously for 36 hours [6]. More importantly, these workers are often women who lack awareness
of their rights and are frequently subjected to harassment and physical abuse, leaving them unable to
resist in such a harsh environment [6]. In some garment-producing countries, the main reason why
women quit their jobs is because of vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. Taking Bangladesh as an
example, female employees in fast-fashion factories are often subject to discrimination, including
human rights violations, gender inequality, abuse, and low wages. Due to their accessibility as low-
cost labour, young women are preferred by factory managers [14].

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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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