How Fast Fashion Impacts the Environment and Why You Should Care
- barter-in
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Fast fashion is considered an environmental issue as it uses enormous water resources (e.g., 2,700 liters per cotton T-shirt) and also plays a significant role in microplastic pollution. According to WWF. The fast fashion industry could be responsible for 26% of global carbon emissions by 2050.
Before the rise of mass production and fast fashion in the 1950s and 1960s, clothing was expensive, and people generally bought only a few items. Clothes were a rare and valuable commodity, bought only when necessary. People would hold on to their garments for years, patching and reusing them until they could no longer serve their purpose. Hand-me-downs were common, with clothes passed from one person to another, often within families. This was when quality and longevity mattered more than trends, and clothing was seen as something to cherish and care for. With all the trends on social media and fast delivery from online shopping, it's easy to get caught up in buying new clothes. Roundup has stated that 87% of the materials used to manufacture clothing end up in landfills. The pressure to look fresh and not repeat outfits is real. However, more people choose second-hand clothes to save money and help the environment.
Article from The Guardian, Jannine Mancilla and Nicole Macias started free clothing swaps in Los Angeles to fight fashion waste. These events have grown in popularity, offering more than just free clothes and helping build a sense of community and connection while saving money.
With more people turning to second-hand shopping and becoming eco-conscious, online clothing swaps are a great way to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. It’s perfect for anyone looking to get rid of clothes they no longer want and swap them for something new. Not only does it help the planet, but it’s also a budget-friendly way to stay stylish and connect with others. Want to start swapping your unused item for something you need? Join our bartering community today! #secondhandfashion #sustainablefashion #clothingexchange #onlineclothingswap #ecofriendlywardrobe #sustainablestyle #fashionrecycling #greenfashion #reducereuserecycle #bartering