I.
Introduction
In the fashion industry, the concept of fast fashion has become very popular. This
type of product offers consumers a variety of choices, trendy styles, and affordable
prices. However, this is only the surface of fast fashion, as it comes with significant
environmental impacts that often go unnoticed. So, what exactly is fast fashion, and why
does it have such severe effects?
II. Content
1. Definition
Fast fashion refers to brands or clothing products produced according to the latest
trends at low costs. These items are often inspired by popular or trendy designs. Although
reasonably priced and diverse in design, they are produced quickly and with
unsustainable materials, leading to generally low-quality products.
2. Characteristics
Characteristics of fast fashion include:
Rapid production: Focusing on the criteria of "quantity and speed," fast fashion
brands frequently release new collections in a short period.
Low cost: Products are cheaper than those from conventional fashion brands.
Low quality: Materials used are often inexpensive, such as polyester.
Short lifespan: These products are usually popular for only a short time as they
chase fast-moving trends.
3. Environmental impact of fast fashion
According to Nikolai (2022), the fashion industry ranks second in the list of the most
polluting industries, only behind the oil industry. Fast fashion contributes significantly to
this statistic.
a. Impact on water resources
The fashion industry is one of the world's largest consumers of water, as reported by
Business Insider (2019). UNEP (2019) data shows that the fashion industry uses 93
billion cubic meters of water annually, equivalent to the water needs of 5 million people.
Additionally, the same organization indicates that fabric dyeing releases a significant
amount of pollutants into water sources. Common materials in fast fashion like polyester
or acrylic take hundreds of years to decompose, causing severe water pollution.
According to IUCN (2021), emissions from the textile industry account for about 9% of
annual microplastic waste released into the oceans, and 35% of non-degradable
microplastic particles in the oceans come from washing synthetic fabrics such as
polyester.
b. Impact on climate
WRI (2017) states that the fashion industry accounts for 10% of annual global carbon
emissions. Approximately 87% of fibers used in clothing production are incinerated or
end up in landfills after use, with emissions from the sector expected to increase by more
than 50% by 2030 without intervention.
Synthetic fibers like polyester, commonly used in fast fashion, emitted around 706
billion kilograms of greenhouse gases in 2015, comparable to the annual emissions of
185 coal-fired power plants.
c. Impact on waste management
According to the World Bank (2019), in 2000, nearly 50 billion units of clothing were
produced, a number that doubled over 20 years. The sheer volume of discarded fabric
highlights the massive scale of fashion waste.
The rapid pace of clothing production has also driven higher consumption; the average
person now buys 60% more clothing than in 2000. Yet, only about 1% of used clothing is
recycled into new garments.
Discarding clothing has created a significant burden on local waste management
systems. We know that if fashion waste is not properly handled, it can take up to 200
years to decompose. Even during decomposition, it can release harmful gases and
chemicals that pollute the environment and affect health.
4. Sustainable fashion
According to Báo Lao Động (2023), sustainable fashion is defined as products made
from safe, biodegradable, or recyclable materials and produced in a way that conserves
resources and minimizes emissions. This model emerged to contribute to environmental
protection and is supported worldwide because:
It reduces the impact of the fashion industry on ecosystems.
It uses materials that save water and natural resources.
It is recyclable and biodegradable, reducing waste.
These characteristics make sustainable fashion an essential solution to addressing the
problems caused by fast fashion. We should be smart and responsible consumers who not
only follow trends but also care about the sustainability of products.
III. Conclusion
Fast fashion provides convenience and variety for consumers but comes with serious
environmental consequences. In contrast, sustainable fashion is a more positive choice
that protects ecosystems and human health. Understanding the impact of fashion and
changing consumer behavior can help contribute to environmental protection.
