Did you know the fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions? The impact is HUGE!
'Fast' fashion is a major contributor to climate change due to water consumption and pollution caused by supply chain operations, along with large amounts of synthetic textiles ending up in landfills.
For those who are not aware, fast fashion refers to clothing produced rapidly at high volume and sold to consumers for low prices. While these brands are popular among shoppers due to the affordability and range of options, the industry has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism due to its impact on the environment.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, Australia is the second-highest consumer of textiles per person in the world!
Erin Skinner, PHD candidate at the University of South Australia, says that “ultimately, we need a shift in consumer knowledge and attitudes... By clarifying what the average Australian knows or thinks about sustainable fashion, we will be able to design appropriate solutions and policy changes to better support ‘slow’ fashion.”
“A lot of people really aren't conscious consumers,” said slow fashion advocate and content creator Catherine Jia.
“Fast fashion is often about a luxurious lifestyle and instant gratification, and there's a lot of pressure from media, from influencers, from brands who constantly churn out trends and make us feel like we need to look a certain way.”
Jia believes many fast fashion shoppers feel pressure to keep up with trends promoted by brands like Shein on social media.
According to Reuters, fast fashion giant Shein generated $22.8 billion in revenue in 2021. It has more global app downloads than Amazon, has overtaken brands like H&M and Zara, and claims to launch thousands of new clothing items each day.
Reference source: Fast fashion is costing the environment. So why are Australians still buying?
So how can we, as individuals, make a change to keep our planet beautiful and pristine?
Here are three simple things we can all do:
- Check the labels when shopping or simply ask about the origin and manufacturing process of the clothing you are interested in purchasing
- Buy ethical clothing, such as organic cotton and certified RPET recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles
- Choose clothes made out of sustainably grown natural fabrics including hemp, linen, bamboo, Tencel, and seaweed
At Latina Styles we take pride in sourcing only the best in ethically made Latin fashion, sustainably manufactured clothing, unique styles, and premium quality – offering conscious choices and affordable options – helping you stand out from the crowd while empowering and inspiring your femininity.
Check out our entire Ethical Latin American Fashion range.