Fast fashion is defined as accessible, cheap, and trendy clothing. The idea of fast fashion comes from a brand’s ability to get clothes from runways to consumers as quickly as possible. The idea of
sustainability began when issues of child exploitation by fashion brands grabbed the attention of
the western world. This affects how the fashion industry operates in devastating ways that affect
people and the planet. Shein, for example, is a fast fashion brand that has gained popularity in
recent years and sparked media attention because of its extremely low prices. Despite becoming a
fast-growing online website, how sustainable have they truly been?
Environmental damage caused by fast fashion is detrimental and has stopped the industry
from reaching sustainability. Shein wraps the packages they ship in plastic bags and they do not
offer any other options. Thousands of clothes are shipped daily, which is a lot of plastic waste
being thrown into landfills. The price of their dresses starts at four dollars so it is hard to say how
sustainable these options actually are.
The environmental impacts of fast fashion are worsened by consumption practices. A
consumer’s consumption of clothes is fueled by their desire to satisfy a certain standard in
society. Consumers need to understand the harm Shein is causing the environment before they
continue shopping on their website. Even though fast fashion brands face criticisms, these
brands are not required to advocate for better consumption and sustainability. Shein will always
have an impact because it depends on the environment to some degree. Therefore, the focus
must be on minimizing such impacts along with Shein establishing proper sustainability tactics.
Shein consumers should stay away from this brand, but what are the
alternatives? There are so many sustainable brands that offer high-quality clothing that will last years.
Although their clothes are more expensive, they last longer and lead to sustainability in the fashion industry. Consignment shops or thrift stores offer a variety of options for a low price. Fast fashion stops the fashion industry from reaching sustainability and deteriorates the environment. Shein does not make the fashion industry sustainable rather it worsens the already extremely detrimental issue of waste and green house gas emissions. For cheap clothing that won’t last long, Shein is not worth your consumption and by supporting them the fashion industry will never be sustainable.
Sources:
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22573682/shein-future-of-fast-fashion-explained
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c3265bccb7b44994aad3d1e3cf1f7462
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