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The Fast Fashion Trap: Black Friday and the Price Our Planet Pays
If every stitch of fabric tells a story, the tale behind fast fashion is one of exploitation, environmental devastation, and unchecked consumerism.
Earth is facing unprecedented attacks on its ecosystems, from deadly ozone-attacking gasses to deforestation that’s literally ripping out the lungs of the world to a mountain of discarded polysynthetic clothes in the country of Chile that can be seen from the sky. For 14 years, no rain has fallen in Alto Hospicio or the surrounding Atacama Desert region, where literal tons of clothes are discarded from all over the world.
The dry conditions of the desert, coupled with the nonbiodegradable, predominantly synthetic, petroleum-derived fibers used in modern clothes, meant that the pile never shrank. Instead, for more than two decades, it grew, and with every discarded item, it grew so large it could be seen from space. Startups like Ecocitex are helping solve the issue by recycling discarded clothes and turning them into raw materials. However, the problem requires government action.
On that front, efforts have been underway since 2016 to add textiles to the Extended Liability of the Producer law, or REP law for short, which makes producers and importers accountable for wasting specified materials. Tomás Saieg, head of the Chilean environment ministry’s Circular Economy Office, said to National Geographic, “Converting Chile from a junkyard into a recycling hub would be the dream, but first we have to add textiles to the REP law.
The Devastation of Fast Fashion Extends to Ghana
The fast fashion crisis isn’t just filling up landfills—it’s spilling over into global ecosystems, and Ghana is paying a steep price. A September 2024 report from Greenpeace Africa and Greenpeace Germany, titled “Fast Fashion, Slow Poison: The Toxic Textile Crisis in Ghana,” reveals how discarded clothing from the Global North is wreaking havoc on the environment and the health of local communities.
Every week, Ghana is flooded with about 15 million items of second-hand clothing. Nearly half of these are unsellable. The waste piles up in informal dumpsites or is openly burned in public washhouses, releasing toxic substances into the air, water, and soil. The result? A slow-motion disaster for the people and ecosystems of Ghana.
The accumulation of waste doesn’t just pollute rivers and soil; it’s even reshaping Ghana’s coastline. ‘Plastic beaches,’ created from textile waste, are smothering natural habitats and making an environmental nightmare visible to the world. Hellen Dena, Greenpeace Africa’s Pan-African Plastics Lead, called this situation out, stating: "This is environmental injustice, plain and simple. Toxic waste from the Global North isn’t just an environmental problem—it’s an attack on vulnerable communities. Fashion brands and governments need to step up and take responsibility."
Human Rights, Environmental Damage, and Late-Stage Capitalism
Considering the speed at which fashion trends come and go, and the recent enormous transfer of wealth to billionaires from the middle and working class, it’s only natural that today’s shoppers would be happy to find affordable fashionable options that keep up with fashion trends.
Now add on deeply acculturated consumerism that has people fist-fighting over travel cups and coveting the latest fashion trend that a social media star just talked about, and we have all the ingredients for fast fashion brands to rise like flames for the fashion-hungry moths to gravitate towards.
Fast fashion, pushed by giant brands like Zara, H&M, Forever 21, SHEIN, Fashion Nova, ASOS, and more, has made these companies some of the biggest faces of modern consumerism. These brands are also some of the biggest representatives of unsafe working conditions and wage theft of workers who are often forced to work more than 75 hours per week.
The human devastation these brands, individually and collectively, are causing is, sadly, not being taken seriously by the consumers who continue to provide billions of dollars a year to each of these companies.
As that $8 shirt is shipped from across the world in plastic bags that will end up in landfills, the fast fashion industry also consumes around 93 billion cubic meters of water a year. That’s enough to meet the water needs of as many as 5 million people. Moreover, according to the UN, this industry is responsible for 2 to 8 percent of global carbon emissions.
Fast fashion’s water impact and carbon emissions are not the only issues, though. The environmental impact of this industry runs deeper, not to mention the social impact side of the coin. The more is known about it, the more informed decisions can be made.
The dark side of fashion needs as much light shone on it as possible.
The Dark Side of Fast Fashion
As a business model, fast fashion is undeniably profitable, but if we dive deeper, is the damage really worth it? From water depletion to carbon emissions, the industry is notorious for its trail of destruction. It’s also notorious for its waste. As of 2023, 97 million tons of textile waste pile up in landfills every year. This number is predicted to continue rising, with the average American discarding as much as 81.5 pounds of clothes every year.
Moreover, clothing usage has plummeted by almost 40% as people only use garments 7 to 10 times before they dispose of them. The lower the quality of the clothing is, the faster it’s discarded. By 2030, the fashion industry's global emissions are poised to skyrocket by 50% if nothing is done about fast fashion’s impact. When it comes to water waste, fast fashion accounts for 20% of global wastewater.
To pile onto the environmental catastrophe, fast fashion also pollutes water resources due to practices like fabric dying and treatment, which involve chemicals. Those chemicals are infused into the water, which includes elements like heavy metals, pesticides, dyes, oil, phenol, and more. In turn, that polluted water can contaminate streams and groundwater.
Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are staples in fast fashion, pose yet another threat. These materials take centuries to biodegrade, shedding microplastics with each wash. Those microplastics find their way into the oceans, contaminating marine life and ecosystems. It’s estimated that 35% of ocean microplastics come from textile laundering.
Of course, the impact of fast fashion extends beyond the environment. In developing economies, where much of fast fashion production takes place, exploitation is a huge issue. Forced labor, child labor, and awful working conditions are staples in the industry. As is often the case, marginalized communities bear the brunt of it.
The Toll of Black Friday on the Planet
Every year, Black Friday drives millions of people into shopping frenzies with slashed prices and limited-time deals. While this shopping event began in the U.S., many other countries around the world have embraced it as one of the busiest shopping days of the year. But while consumers chase bargains, the environmental impact is breathtaking.
A 2019 study revealed that up to 80% of Black Friday purchases go to waste, ending up in landfills or burned in incinerators. Black Friday is also responsible for massive levels of CO2 emissions. The manufacturing process alone plays a massive role in the carbon footprint of Black Friday. Take common electronics like laptops and tablets: producing just one can generate anywhere from 50 to 200 kilograms of CO2.
The environmental toll of Black Friday extends beyond manufacturing to delivery. The rise of next-day shipping has fueled a sharp increase in carbon emissions. According to Population Matters, by 2030, the number of delivery vehicles is expected to grow by 36%, adding 6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. It doesn’t stop there–packaging is also a significant contributor to emissions, accounting for 45% of greenhouse gas emissions from online shopping globally.
Black Friday Sales: How Brands Profit from Their Trash
While the fast fashion business model drives profits and keeps consumers hooked on ever-changing trends, it also leads to one glaring issue: massive overproduction. This isn’t a mistake or a miscalculation—it’s a deliberate feature. Fast fashion brands churn out clothes at breakneck speed, often producing far more garments than consumers will ever purchase. Why? Overproduction ensures stores are always fully stocked with the latest trends, making shoppers more likely to buy more. But the tradeoff is staggering waste.
Take H&M, for example. In 2018, the brand reported sitting on $4.3 billion worth of unsold inventory—shirts, dresses, and accessories that simply didn’t sell. This isn't an isolated issue; it’s how fast fashion operates. By prioritizing quantity over accuracy in demand forecasting, companies knowingly accept that significant portions of their stock will go unsold.
To manage this surplus, fast fashion brands rely on massive sales events like Black Friday. These deep discount days are designed to move unsold inventory quickly, clearing warehouses for the next wave of collections. While consumers may feel like they’re getting a bargain, these sales are often less about meeting demand and slashing prices and more about taking out the trash that costs pennies on the dollar to manufacture, passing on enormous mark-ups to consumers, even at the Black Friday sales prices. That “deal” really isn’t a “deal.”
Conscious Consumerism and Rethinking the Model
Some brands are starting to experiment with solutions to this issue. On-demand production models, for example, aim to produce garments only when they’re ordered, reducing waste. Others are investing in recycling and upcycling programs to give unsold products a second life. Consumers also have the power to challenge the system.
The best way to combat fast fashion’s environmental harm during Black Friday and beyond is to shop consciously by supporting businesses with ethical practices, shopping small, shopping secondhand, or not shopping at all. If you want to practice the latter, following the 4 Rs—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Repair—can help you dramatically reduce waste. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
- Do I already have something similar?
- How often will I use this item?
- How long will it last?
- Was it made sustainably?
- Do I really need it?
This moment of reflection can help you break the cycle of impulsive buying and reduce the demand for low-quality, disposable goods.
No matter how attractive fast fashion may be, its cost to our planet and our fellow humans is resulting in a high price to pay. Events like Black Friday may seem like an opportunity to snag a deal, but the bigger picture has enormous costs. To break the cycle, consumers are demanding and inspiring change—not just in shopping behaviors but also in how companies produce their goods.
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Did you know the average household in the U.S. contains a whopping 300,000 items? This could be why so many people struggle with clutter, credit card debt, and many other issues. It's clear that our consumption habits are impacting our emotional and financial health, which is why underconsumption seems to be on the rise. Adopting the “less is more” lifestyle is doing wonders for a lot of people. Ready to jump on the bandwagon? Here are 7 practical tips to help you consume less and live more:
Limit your time on social media
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashSocial media is a double-edged sword. While it keeps us connected, it's also a breeding ground for the feeling of missing out, constant ads, and more. It’s not uncommon for influencer posts of huge shopping hauls to lead to impulse buys of stuff you just don’t need. We’ve all fallen for it, so it’s important to be aware of our triggers. It’s not just about spending less time on social media, it’s also about choosing the people we follow wisely. Ask yourself this: is this influencer providing value to my life through their content? Are they actually teaching me something or just getting me to buy stuff I later regret?
Cancel subscriptions you don’t use or need
Photo by Marques Thomas on UnsplashSubscription services can sneakily pile up, leading to a surplus of products you don’t actually use. Most people go for subscription options because they offer discounts, but if you’re just accumulating products, it’s time to cancel them. Buy products as you run out instead of hoarding them. You can even make it a game to see how long you can go without replenishing. Who knew minimalism could be so thrilling?
Try the “one-in, one-out” rule
Photo by Sarah Brown on UnsplashEvery time you buy something new, get rid of something you already own, but never use or don’t really need. This simple method can help you keep your things in check and make sure you’re only keeping what you truly need. Decluttering regularly will make your soul feel good and it’s also a great opportunity to donate clothes, books, shoes, etc., to people who need it more. It’s a win/win kind of rule!
Look for second-hand options first
Photo by Prudence Earl on UnsplashBefore you log into your Amazon account or head to the stores, why not make thrift stores, online marketplaces, and consignment shops your first stops? Whatever you need, whether that’s clothes, appliances, gadgets, books, etc., it’s likely you’ll find it second-hand in perfect condition and at a fraction of the actual cost. You get the stuff you need while also being good to your bank account and the planet at large. That’s a great deal.
Practice mindful shopping
Photo by Alexander Mils on UnsplashBefore making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Do I already own something similar? Will this bring me joy in the long run? If the answer is no, put it back. Given how easy it is to buy stuff nowadays, very few people actually stop to think twice about it. Make a habit of it and you’ll find yourself consuming and wasting less, while also having just what you need.
Embrace DIY projects
Photo by Wallace Chuck
Sometimes you don’t have to buy new, you can make what you need yourself or upcycle things you already own. From homemade cleaning products to DIY home decor, there are endless ways to get creative and save money. You’ll find that once you start getting into DIY projects, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of making something yourself, and that will keep you testing your skills.
Consider borrowing or renting instead of buying
Photo by Liza Summer
Do you need a tool for a one-time project? Borrow it from a neighbor or a friend. Are you planning a big event? Rent decorations and equipment instead of buying it. Whenever you’re considering buying something, ask yourself, will I use this more than once or a couple of times at best? If the answer is no, borrowing or renting are easy options to turn to!
Embracing underconsumption in every aspect of life can help you achieve a few major goals. For one, it will help you save money and reduce debt. It will also make your house less cluttered and help you contribute to the health of the planet by reducing waste. Remember, it’s not about deprivation; it’s about making mindful choices that benefit you and the world around you. Happy underconsuming!
With the undeniable shadow of climate change looming over us, people around the world are making a conscious effort to embrace more sustainable habits. In that process, many Latinos have realized that sustainable habits have always been a part of their lives. Whether it’s because they’ve had to make do with limited resources or that was just their families’ way of life, Latinos are more environmentalists than they’re often aware of. Here are 10 things you probably do that make you a Latina environmentalist:
You reduce, reuse, and recycle
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In your daily life, you’re conscious of waste and naturally do things to minimize single-use plastics. You reuse items whenever possible and you’re very good at recycling. As a good Latina, you turn mayonnaise glass jars into glasses, plastic ice cream or butter containers into unofficial Tupperware, you use cloths instead of paper towels or wipes for cleaning, and you have a big plastic bag that collects all other plastic bags that come your way for later use.
You support sustainable fashion
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Latina fashionistas love looking stylish and amazing, but if you have environmentalist inclinations, you avoid fast fashion like the plague. Shein and Fashion Nova clothes aren’t that good anyway, so you would much rather spend a little more on high-quality items that will last from ethical brands. You also love thrifting and buying second-hand because it’s a treasure trove of amazing clothes made with long-lasting, eco-friendly fabrics like cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Overall, you’re conscious of the brands you support and you reduce your textile waste without sacrificing your style.
You practice energy conservation
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If your Latino parents come from a country where they experienced power shortages quite often, they’ve likely instilled a few energy-saving habits in you. From using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to reducing your water usage, and everything in between, you always prioritize sustainable energy practices. You also do little things like never leaving your charger plugged, turning off the lights when a room isn’t being used, switching off appliances when they’re not used, and more.
You advocate for environmental causes
Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on UnsplashYou're actively involved in environmental advocacy and support initiatives that promote conservation, biodiversity, and environmental justice. Whether it's participating in climate strikes, supporting conservation organizations, or just raising awareness about environmental issues in your community, you use your voice and actions to drive positive change. It’s the Latina way to do something about the issues that matter to you, so advocating, raising awareness, or even encouraging your close friends to embrace certain sustainable habits is something you often do.
You often take time to connect with nature
Photo by Jake Melara on UnsplashOne thing Latinos often share is a connection with nature. Whether that’s through activities like gardening or just taking walks in nature, Latinos often like to step away from daily life and spend time in or with the natural world. If you don’t have a green thumb and that’s why gardening isn’t for you, you probably still do things like take walks in natural parks, go on hikes, and more. Connecting with nature is one of your favorite ways to reset.
You support ethical brands
Photo by Oana Cristina on UnsplashIt doesn’t matter what you’re spending your money on, one of your priorities is supporting ethical brands. It’s important to you that brands prioritize sustainability throughout their supply chain. Whether that’s using eco-friendly materials, giving workers fair wages, and minimizing waste and pollution, you make sure your brands align with your views. Latinas put their money where their mouth is!
You don’t discard your old clothes, you find a new use for them
Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels
You’re aware that most discarded clothes end up in landfills and have a huge impact on pollution. That’s why you don’t buy fast fashion and you don’t discard old clothes until you’ve gotten the most out of them. This is where the Latina resourcefulness and creativity come in! You find ways to upcycle old clothes and make them stylish again, you start wearing them as PJs or you donate them if they’re still in good shape but you don’t want to wear them anymore. When old clothes are beyond repair, you turn them into cleaning cloths. You only throw them away when their useful life is well and truly over.
You bring your own cup everywhere
Photo by quokkabottles on UnsplashWhether you want to buy water, coffee, smoothies, etc., while you’re out and about, you avoid disposable cups as much as possible. That’s why you’ve invested in a reusable water bottle, reusable mug, and reusable smoothie cup, and you always have them handy when you know you’ll be needing them. You’ve also invested in single-use straws because you want to be responsible for as little waste as possible.
You prioritize sustainable self-care
Photo by Tiger Lily on Pexels
It’s not stereotypical to say that most Latinas like to take care of themselves and enjoy having a good self-care routine. Well, Latina environmentalists make sure that every product in that self-care routine is 100% natural, eco-friendly, and ethically produced. You’ve switched to aluminum-free deodorants, chemical-free pads and tampons, or period panties, and prioritize formulas with all-natural ingredients. You also enjoy making your own face masks, soaps, exfoliants, and more, at home.
You support wildlife conservation
Last but not least, Latinas with environmental inclinations love animals, and that often reflects in their support for wildlife conservation. You likely practice responsible tourism and encourage others to do the same, support wildlife conservation efforts in any way you can, and spread the word about sustainable practices meant to preserve biodiversity and the ecosystem.
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