Research Days 2023 Poster Sessions

Fast Fashion: Cheap But at What Cost?

Author/ Authors/ Presenter/ Presenters/ Panelists:

Erin Drexler, Governors State UniversityFollow

Type of Presentation

Poster Session

Location

GSU Library

Start Date

3-31-2023 11:45 AM

End Date

3-31-2023 1:15 PM

Description of Program

Fast fashion companies cheaply mass-produce clothing through the use of sweatshops that utilize child labor, unfair wages, and unsafe environments. Negative environmental impacts include high waste, carbon emissions, pollution of water, and lack of sustainability. To reduce waste we need a shift toward eco-friendly alternatives and away from unsustainable brands.

Other Presentation Disciplines:

Social Change, Environmental Impacts

Abstract

Fast fashion is when companies cheaply mass-produce clothing and then sell it for low prices to keep up with trends. These businesses use sweatshops that utilize child labor and unfair wages in unsafe environments. Not only is this bad for the workers in other countries but the mass production of clothing can have many negative impacts on the environment through its high waste, carbon emissions, pollution of water, and lack of sustainability. One of the most well-known and current businesses using this practice is Shein, which is based in China. While they may be getting the most attention currently, there are many more famous companies such as Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Victoria’s Secret. While many people are drawn to these companies for their cheap prices and current fashion, what they don’t know is how much damage these companies cause. Most of the clothing from these companies is used a few times and then thrown away which leads to excessive amounts of clothing in landfills. There needs to be more attention brought to the fast fashion mentality before the environment takes on more damage. There are many other sustainable and eco-friendly options, it would just require a shift in how fashion trends are currently viewed.

Faculty / Staff Sponsor

Laura White

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Mar 31st, 11:45 AM Mar 31st, 1:15 PM

Fast Fashion: Cheap But at What Cost?

GSU Library

Fast fashion is when companies cheaply mass-produce clothing and then sell it for low prices to keep up with trends. These businesses use sweatshops that utilize child labor and unfair wages in unsafe environments. Not only is this bad for the workers in other countries but the mass production of clothing can have many negative impacts on the environment through its high waste, carbon emissions, pollution of water, and lack of sustainability. One of the most well-known and current businesses using this practice is Shein, which is based in China. While they may be getting the most attention currently, there are many more famous companies such as Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Victoria’s Secret. While many people are drawn to these companies for their cheap prices and current fashion, what they don’t know is how much damage these companies cause. Most of the clothing from these companies is used a few times and then thrown away which leads to excessive amounts of clothing in landfills. There needs to be more attention brought to the fast fashion mentality before the environment takes on more damage. There are many other sustainable and eco-friendly options, it would just require a shift in how fashion trends are currently viewed.