The vast majority of our clothes are produced through fast fashion—a system of mass-manufacturing cheap clothing to keep up with the latest trends. Unfortunately, this comes at a huge cost to the environment.

If you've wondered how bad fast fashion really is, here are five ways fast fashion is destroying and exploiting the planet.

1. Wasted Resources

Whether you're shopping for a wool poncho or your next spring dress, consider buying quality over fast fashion. Why? The fashion industry is a leading polluting industry, using massive amounts of water and energy to produce its products. It takes a tremendous amount of water and energy to produce just one piece of clothing - around 2,700 liters for a single t-shirt. And the vast majority of clothes are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels and release harmful microplastics into our waterways when washed.

What's more, the average person only wears each piece of clothing seven times before getting rid of it - often by simply throwing it away. The US generates over 21 billion pounds of textile waste each year, most of which end up in landfills.

All of this has a hugely negative impact on the environment. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. If it continues to grow at its current rate, by 2050, it will use up a quarter of the world's carbon budget.

2. Harmful Chemicals

Many clothing items are treated with harmful chemicals that can end up in your waterways and soil. These chemicals can cause health problems for both people and animals and have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and other health issues.

These harmful chemicals are not only bad for your health, but they are also bad for the environment. When they end up in your water supply, they can pollute your rivers and lakes, harming wildlife and affecting your food supply.

The best way to avoid these dangerous chemicals is to buy clothes made from natural fibers like cotton or wool. You can also look for clothing that is labeled “organic” or “low-impact.” These labels indicate that the clothing is made with fewer harmful chemicals.

3. Microplastics 

Fast fashion is often made from synthetic materials, which can release microplastics when washed. Microplastics from fast fashion are a growing environmental issue. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed tiny plastic fibers when they’re washed, which end up in your oceans and are ingested by marine life. These microplastics can cause health problems for both people and animals.

4. Deforestation 

The fashion industry is a major contributor to deforestation, as trees are cleared to make way for crops like cotton and leather. This destroys habitats and contributes to climate change. Every year, billions of pieces of clothing are produced and sold, with much of it ending up in landfills.

5. Exploitation of Workers 

The fashion industry relies on cheap labor to produce its products, often exploiting workers in developing countries. While fast fashion may be affordable and convenient for consumers, it often comes at the expense of the workers who produce the clothing. In many cases, fast fashion brands source their products from factories in developing countries where workers are paid extremely low wages and are often required to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. As a result, workers in the fast fashion industry are at risk of being exploited and subjected to human rights abuses. This can lead to threatening and unhealthy working conditions and low wages.

So what can you do? The first step is to simply be more mindful about your clothing choices. You can start by buying less and investing in better-quality pieces that will last longer. You can also support sustainable brands that use environmentally-friendly practices and make an effort to repair and recycle our clothes instead of throwing them away.

Final Thoughts

Fast fashion is a major problem for the environment, but there are ways to shop more responsibly. Look for sustainable brands that use eco-friendly materials and fair labor practices. And be mindful of how often you’re buying new clothes – buying fewer, better-quality items will help reduce your impact on the planet. By making small changes in the way you shop, you can help to make a big difference in the environment.