PUTTING THE BREAKS ON FAST FASHION – THE FAST FASHION LAW
The fashion industry has seen significant growth throughout the years and is responsible for producing more than 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions. The need to alter patterns of consumption is high and needs to be put into effect immediately. The widespread availability of low-cost garments may be efficient for the consumer but has caused several tragedies connected to its production. Those working in sweatshops (factories that produce clothing for fast fashion brands) work in extremely unethical conditions and are paid well below the average minimum wage. The employees’ lives are put at risk by working in such unstable conditions, which includes poorly built factories, hours of laborious sewing, and not to mention the excessive amount of waste created.
Factory workers are at risk from exposure to extreme chemicals released in the process of clothing creation, receive low wages, and work in unethical environments. In addition to the lack of regulation in safety conditions and labor, the global environment is at risk from the chemicals and pollutants produced in such fashion factories. The UN Environment Organization has implemented a system for large fashion brands to recognize the unethicality of the low-budget apparel creation process and focus on a fair production system that is environmentally safe. Fast-fashion consumers subscribed to fast-fashion brands online must receive a fast-fashion toolkit or have the option to purchase one upon signing up to become a member of a specific brand. Employees must have a driven passion for creation and must be artisans seeking employment and carefully creating clothing. Fashion industries must strive to seek out ethical and sustainable materials that do not cause harm to either the environment or employee. Fashion brands primarily involved in the fast-fashion industry must strive to seek out artisans from other countries and encourage collaborations with artisans in search of creating quality clothing in an ethical environment. Brands and artisans must work closely together to ensure work is completed in a timely, ethical, and sustainable fashion. On-trend clothing may be created at a fast pace but must be created with care and in a comfortable environment that does not hinder the health of an employee and the rate of production. If failure to do so, large fast-fashion brands will be held accountable and clothing for the intended season will not be released until doing so in an accurate manner.
