How many new articles of clothing do you purchase annually? Would you be shocked if I told you the average Canadian buys 70 new pieces of clothing per year?! Unfortunately, many of these garments are never even worn or are only used for a handful of times before they rip or damage. Then, they often meet their demise by going to some landfill site or incineration plant. Is this really necessary?
What is 'fast fashion'?
Nowadays, we are living in a World that is rapidly changing- from technology to industrialization to climate change. Virtually every sector, industry, and aspect of society are affected- including the fashion industry. The demand for ‘fast fashion’ is going through the roof! Some clothing brands that used to showcase maybe four new fashion lines a year are now displaying upwards of 36 collections annually. You may be wondering why this change?
The short answer is that there is greater global demand for cheap, trendy clothing that often copies the looks of expensive brands / designers and runway styles. These garments are typically produced very quickly, inexpensively, and with poor quality. It is estimated that the ‘fast fashion’ industry is worth over $1.7 trillion and is predicted to climb to over $3.3 trillion by 2030. Currently, approximately 80 billion new pieces of clothing are made globally each year, which is a 400% increase from 20 years ago (Government of Canada website). According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian household spent $2303.00 on clothing and accessories in 2021. At present, there are over 21, 451 clothing retailer stores across Canada that mostly sell new clothes (2023).
How does 'fast fashion' negatively impact the environment?
Obviously, the amount of clothing being produced is absurd! Undoubtedly, the environment takes a negative hit. For instance, the fashion industry contributes to nearly 10% of overall global carbon emissions each year, and requires 93 billion cubic metres of water, as well as dyes and chemicals. According to the Australian Human Rights Institute, the sum of carbon released by this industry is equivalent to the number of international flights and maritime shipping combined in one year.
Moreover, many fast fashion apparel is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, spandex (which all contain fossil fuels). The reason for this is because they are inexpensive to produce but, unfortunately, they are not biodegradable. Today, most peoples’ wardrobes are comprised of approximately 65% synthetic fabrics. These materials also shed micoplastics into the environment. The Government of Canada website states that 878 tonnes (weight of approximately 400 mid-sized cars) of microplastics end up in water sources in Canada and the United States annually. This is a result of tiny plastic particles that flake off garments during the washing process. Additionally, in Canada, 98% of plastic textile waste goes to landfills.
Lastly, people discard clothes at incredibly fast rates! In fact, around 92 million tonnes of clothing is thrown out every single year globally. Sadly, Canada contributes 500,000- 1 million tonnes of this waste. Many of these garments end up in landfill sites or are incinerated. For instance, have you ever heard of the clothing graveyard that is located in the Atacama Desert in Chile? This is an illegal dumping ground that collects more than 39 000 tonnes of clothes annually. Chile imports over 123,000 tonnes of ‘old’ clothes every year (from places like Canada, USA, Europe, and Asia) in attempts of resale or for shipping to other Latin American countries. However, clothes that do not sell, often end up in this desert. It’s now becoming a wasteland of clothes. If we don’t get a handle on our overconsumption habits and situations like this, our Earth will become increasingly overrun with textile garbage.
What are the conditions for many 'fast fashion' workers?
It may be no surprise to you, but those working in the ‘fast fashion’ industry are often exploited. I am talking about those who harvest raw materials, create textiles, and assemble garments. It is estimated that over 300 million individuals are employed in the ‘fast fashion’ industry. Unfortunately, there are often high rates of discrimination and unsafe working conditions, such as lack of proper ventilation, high-temperatures, exposure to dangerous chemicals without access to proper safety gear, as well as abuse. Additionally, many garment workers are forced to work up to 16 hour days (sometimes, even seven days a week), and can go without pay for months. Child labour is also a serious issue.
So, how did this come to be? In the 1970s, the garment industry started to produce clothing ‘offshore’, especially in Asian countries. There, they were able to pay much lower wages, demand fast production and delivery times, and increase their profit margins. This trend really started to take off in the 1990s. Today, the majority of clothing factories are located in nations in Africa, Asia, and South America. However, the top two countries include China and Bangladesh. For instance, 80% of Bangladesh’s exports is apparel, which rakes in more than $46 billion USD annually.
Often it’s women working in these precarious conditions. For example, there are over three million garment workers in Bangladesh alone, with the majority being women. Sadly unsafe work conditions can lead to tragedy. One devastating example is in 2013, the Rana Plaza (an 8-story building in Savar, Bangladesh) collapsed, killing more than 1, 100 workers and injuring many more. This was due to cracks in the building that were ignored.
Why are many clothing retailers not demanding better working conditions? As stated earlier, numerous companies are preoccupied with pumping out trendy clothing at reduced cost. Furthermore, the garment industry is a complex system and often retailers are unaware or unfamiliar with the sourcing, production practices, and working conditions of where they are getting their stock. Some large clothing companies are partnered with over 1,000 factories worldwide who supply their clothing; thus, it’s very challenging to keep track and tabs on them all.
How can we slow down 'fast fashion' and make better choices?
I think that most of can agree that we need to slow down fast fashion. As stated above, it’s incredibly wasteful, detrimental to the environment, and often exploitative of its workers. But, what can we personally do to help slow it down?
- Go through your closet and see what clothing items you already own. What do you like? What fits you? What outfits can you make with what you already have? Weed out clothing that you don’t want or wear, and either sell or donate it (if they are still in good condition) so that they may get a second life.
- Repair or alter your clothing. Sometimes, your garments need a little TLC. This could be sewing a button back on, fixing a zipper, mending a hole, and/or hemming a pant leg. Also, ensure to follow labels for proper care (washing / drying) so that your clothes last longer. Clothing that is beyond repair can be cut and used as rags, or upcycled into tote-bags or transformed into other apparel. For example, a good friend of mine collects recycled clothing, cuts them up, and sews completely new garments (e.g. a ripped pair of jeans may become an upcycled jean skirt).
- Take part in community clothing swaps. Many individuals now trade their lightly used clothing that they no longer want with others in their community. Not only does this give you some ‘new’ styles in your closet, but allows others to wear and enjoy the clothes that you no longer want or wear. It’s really a win-win!
- Buy clothing secondhand. Nowadays, there are so many great thrift stores and consignment shops for clothing and accessories. Sometimes, you will even find items that have NEVER been used or worn! There’s truly some great finds that will make you happy, as well as benefit the environment.
- Rent or borrow clothing / accessories that you only plan to use once or a few times. Are you attending a wedding this summer and need an outfit? Instead of going out to purchase a brand-new one, consider renting or borrowing one from a friend or a family member. This can save you money and reduce unnecessary purchases that will likely go to waste.
- If you are purchasing new clothes, try to buy items that are made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, or Tencel (semi-synthetic). Select clothing that is free of buttons and zippers, as ultimately this will lead to more environmental waste. You can also read labels to see if the items were made from sustainable and/or eco-responsible practices or sources (although be wary as some of these labels are not always truthful or accurate!)
- Reduce the number of clothes / accessories that you buy. Did you know that we only really wear 20% of what’s in our wardrobes 80% of the time? Therefore, we really need to consider what we truly need and want. If you are able, buy apparel that is better quality so that will last longer.
- Advocate to levels of Government for stricter environmental rules / regulations, as well as better and safer working conditions for ‘fast fashion’ employees. You can sign petitions, write letters to members of parliament, and change your own consumption habits today. Things will not change in this industry unless people stand up for what’s right, as well as alter their own consumer choices.
Sources
Anwar, Itrat. I’ve seen first-hand the true price of fast fashion- people suffering, lives lost. CBC News. July 27, 2025. I’ve seen first-hand the true price of fast fashion — people suffering, lives lost | CBC News
Bonanni, Gian; Nolan, Justine; Pryde, Samuel. Explainer: What is fast fashion and how can we combat its human rights and environmental impacts? UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute. Explainer: What is fast fashion and how can we combat its human rights and environmental impacts? | Australian Human Rights Institute
Carbon couture: unravelling the impact of fast fashion. Ivey Business School Western University. Feb 16, 2024. Carbon couture: unravelling the impact of fast fashion
Chambers, Jane. Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert. BBC News. April 19, 2026. Why your recycled clothes could end up in the Atacama desert
Dufferin County Waste Services. Video. Oct 7, 2022. Video | Facebook
Getting ready to go out. Government of Canada. Dec 15, 2023. Getting ready to go out – Statistics Canada
The Government of Canada is taking steps to address plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector. Government of Canada. July 4, 2024. The Government of Canada is taking steps to address plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector – Canada.ca
