The Dual Nature of Fashion: Self-Expression and Environmental Impact
Written by Joy Wright
Fashion plays a huge role in modern society, serving as a means for self-expression and reflecting individual and collective values. Defined by Oxford Languages as “a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament or manners of behavior,” fashion goes beyond aesthetics. It is a powerful voice for conveying messages, telling stories, and advocating for causes. For example, clothing with phrases like “Black Lives Matter” or “I Can’t Breathe” highlights important social justice issues, showcasing how fashion can be a form of activism. Additionally, merchandise featuring popular culture icons, such as artists or franchises like Marvel and Harry Potter, allows individuals to express their opinions and support specific figures or ideas.
However, while fashion serves as a safe space for artistic expression and representing oneself, it also causes significant environmental consequences. According to Earth.org, “the fashion industry is notorious for depleting water sources and polluting waterways, with an alarming 85% of all textiles ending up in landfills each year.” Also stated by climateseed.com, “the industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing the emissions produced by all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Furthermore, the fashion industry contributes to 35% of the plastic microfibers released into oceans and accounts for 20% of industrial water pollution.” These horrible facts show why there is such an urgent need to address the negative environmental impact of fashion. Individuals should have the right to express themselves through their clothing without harming the environment.
The environment already faces several threats, including pollution, deforestation, food waste, and habitat destruction. The least a person can do is take the time to learn how they can reduce these issues and help the environment, starting with the clothes they wear. To understand these negative problems that arose when fashion became a huge factor in the economy, how fashion is harming the environment must be revealed, and how people can stop these problems from arising further. One of the biggest parts of the fashion industry that is harming the environment is fast fashion. Fast fashion is defined as “inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.” Common brands such as H&M, Forever 21, and Zara are examples of fast fashion, leading to significant environmental degradation all because of their high production rates and low costs.
According to earth.org, “the fast fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. “As one can imagine, this isn’t good. Fast fashion is harming the environment by using up water sources and creating more pollution for the earth’s air. To combat these harmful effects of fast fashion, people must reconsider their values and explore more sustainable options. A very good alternative is the slow fashion movement. The slow fashion movement advocates for environmental and social justice. Slow fashion emphasizes mindfulness in the design, production, consumption, and overall approach to clothing. It encourages people to be more aware of how their purchases affect different workers, communities, and ecosystems. Unlike fast fashion, which prioritizes profit over sustainability, slow fashion is rooted in eco-friendly practices, utilizing materials such as organic cotton, linen, wool, recycled materials, and sustainable silk. Brands like Sezane, Stella McCartney, Omnes, Asket, Nynne, and Sheep Inc. are examples of the commitment to sustainability without sacrificing style.
Beyond embracing slow fashion, individuals can further minimize their impact on the environment through practices such as sewing their clothes, repurposing old garments, or purchasing second-hand items. These alternatives promote creativity and sustainability, reinforcing the idea that fashion can be both stylish and eco-conscious. In conclusion, while fashion serves as a vital form of self-expression, storytelling, and advocacy for important societal causes, it is essential to acknowledge its detrimental environmental effects. By educating people, being open to change, and embracing alternatives like slow fashion, people can enjoy the benefits of fashion while actively contributing to the well-being of the environment. It is humans’ responsibility to protect the earth and ensure its sustainability for future generations, demonstrating that fashion can be both meaningful and mindful.
