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what we wear expresses who we are.   fast or slow fashion - what's the difference?

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Think about the clothes that are cheap and easy to buy -  new styles appear weekly, made quickly but not usually made in your country.  That's fast fashion

 

fast fashion has an astounding impact on the environment.  it touches industries as diverse as  petroleum (polyester and synthetics are now the number one fibre) agriculture (wool, cotton, flax, hemp, leather, fur) forestry (rayon), mining (metal and stones), construction (retail) shipping and manufacturing.   production is outsourced to countries with the cheapest labour and often the dirtiest power, then shipped around the world.  In places where apparel is the largest employer not many workers make a living wage and pollution from toxic chemicals and dyes is common. 

 

When you really think about it, globalization as a system, should benefit those most in need of paid work AND consumers, however, I encourage you to have a think about how much fast fashion is actually costing workers and the environment.  It is not a system that is currently sustainable or ethical. 

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Fashion has the potential to transform

some of our most entrenched social and

environmental challenges.

 

As a consumer you have the power to create change.  Yes, its complex and multilayered.  one person is not the answer, but you can act locally to address this global issue.  When you shop, be mindful of your fashion purchases:  buy fewer, good quality garments and keep them longer, make, mend, recycle, upcycle and compost  natural fibres when threadbare.  Fashion is an ideal way to address sustainability, climate change and poverty, because any effort you make to improve fashion's supply chains will impact numerous sectors.  

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