The Problem with Shein

Nearly everyone has heard of fast fashion. The term is thrown around in passing, accompanied by a minor twinge of guilt or a dismissive laugh. Some popular fast fashion brands are H&M, Forever 21 and Shein, which sell low quality clothing at extremely cheap prices. Their styles are popular and trendy, which attracts customers who don't have a lot of money but want to fit in, like many teenagers.

Some teenagers will buy cheap clothes knowing they are supporting fast fashion, because they believe it is their only way to get the clothing they like. This can be solved by shopping at thrift or consignment stores, where you can find higher quality brands that have been donated, and spend less money.

Many people are ignorant to the harmful impact of fast fashion to the environment, the economies of developing countries, and their own bodies.

According to the United Nations Environmental Program, the fast fashion industry consumes the second largest amount of water in any industry, and produces 10% of global carbon emissions. 85% of fast fashion produced clothing ends up in landfills each year, and the synthetic materials do not decompose for millions of years. This industry has grown exponentially in the last 20 years, and it is up to young generations to educate ourselves and choose sustainable clothing to protect our Earth.

The clothes also contain toxic chemical that are harmful to long term health. Brands such as Temu and Shein have been recently proven to contain chemicals causing cancer, infertility or liver poisoning. Wearing these clothes can cause serious illness in the future. However, the danger is even greater for those manufacturing the clothing. Most fast fashion is outsourced to manufacturers in developing countries like Bangladesh, China and Vietnam. The workers are forced to endure excessive heat, cramped conditions and exposure to dangerous chemicals in dyes and fabrics. Instead of supporting this harmful industry, put your money towards clothing brands that prioritize sustainability and equity. Look into the practices of every brand you purchase. Additionally, when you do buy clothes, make sure that you plan to wear them for years to come. The wasteful cycle of low quality, exploitative clothing manufacturing needs to be improved, and this starts with conscious consumerism.

Sources:

@environment on Instagram

https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/