Rian Phin’s video gave me some really great points to consider.
Are we too obsessed with sustainable fashion rather than ethical fashion? Probably. A lot of people find themselves obsessed with helping the environment but look the other way when it comes to clothing made in sweatshops. You know vegans that feel so strongly about animal cruelty but turn their heads when it comes to fast fashion? Yeah, those types of people. (I hope to eventually have a plant-based diet, don’t attack me y’all.)
We’re shopping sustainably/ethically. But what direct action are we taking to actually work towards fair standards for garment workers? This video definitely made me think. Not shopping fast fashion may tell those companies that we don’t want to shop there, but what does that actually do? Let’s say a fast fashion giant shuts down. That’s hundreds of garment workers who are now out of a job, throwing them deeper into poverty.
Are we placing priority over the environment instead of human lives? It’s starting to look like people are just buying sustainable clothing so they look good, not because they’re actually trying to help garment workers.
I feel like I’m not doing enough. I’m not doing enough by just shopping with sustainable companies. It only says that I like shopping at sustainable companies, not necessarily that I dislike shopping at fast fashion companies. We should place priority on having fast fashion companies revolutionized. Fix the companies that are already established in order to preserve the jobs of the ones affected the most–the seamstresses, the shoemakers, the factory workers.
You’re probably asking what you can do to help. Here’s a couple things I would consider:
- Fashion Revolution has so many options on their site–write to a policymaker, attend local events, send a letter to a brand asking about their supply chain or even join a local group.
- It’s imperative to stay informed. Read up on the history of fast fashion and why ethical fashion is important. Read up on the Savar building collapse. Make sure you’re sharing the problems with fast fashion with your friends, family and colleagues.
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