The True Cost of Fast Fashion
In today’s world, fashion trends change faster than ever. Social media,
influencers, and fashion shows all push the idea that you need the latest styles
right now. But beneath the excitement of a new outfit lies a troubling truth: fast
fashion isn’t as harmless as it seems. From environmental damage to worker
exploitation, the clothes we buy in large quantities and at low prices come with
serious hidden costs. Let’s explore what really goes on behind the scenes to
make that trendy, affordable shirt you might only wear a few times.
One of the biggest issues with fast fashion is its impact on the environment.
Brands produce enormous quantities of clothing, often using synthetic materials
like polyester, which are cheap but do not biodegrade. This adds to landfill waste
and releases microplastics into oceans, harming marine life. The production
process also consumes vast amounts of water and releases toxic chemicals,
causing pollution. According to some studies, the fashion industry is responsible
for 10% of all global carbon emissions, making it a major contributor to climate
change.
While we enjoy cheap prices, the people making our clothes often suffer. Many
fast fashion brands rely on factories in countries where labor is inexpensive, but
the conditions are harsh. Workers, including children, face long hours, low wages,
and unsafe environments. They are paid just enough to survive, but far from
enough to support a family or achieve a better quality of life. This exploitation is
hidden from consumers, who may not realize the true cost of a $5 T-shirt.
Our society's obsession with “more” fuels the problem. Fast fashion has created
a culture of disposable clothing, where items are worn a few times and then
thrown away. Cheap prices and constant new collections encourage people to
keep buying more, without considering the consequences. This not only adds to
personal waste but also creates a dangerous cycle of demand, causing
companies to produce even more and worsen the issues.
As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing wisely.
Supporting sustainable brands, buying secondhand, and thinking twice before
purchasing can help. Small actions add up and can reduce the demand for fast
fashion. By changing our shopping habits, we can influence companies to adopt
more ethical and eco-friendly practices, ultimately benefiting both people and
the planet.
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Questions:
1. What is the writer’s contention?
2. Identify the audience of this article.
3. Identify the text type or form of the article.
4. Identify the main arguments of this article.
Main argument 1:
Main argument 2:
Main argument 3:
Main argument 4:
5. Identify the tone used by the writer. Include a quote to justify the tone
identified.
6. How does the headline influence the reader?
7. How does the article support the writer’s main contention? What is the
intended effect of this support on the audience?
8. Identify different types of persuasive techniques used in the article. Include a
quote from the article and explain the intended effect on the audience. Use the
table below to record your responses.
Persuasive Technique Example from the text Intended Effect- What
(quote) is the writer wanting
the audience to think,
feel or believe?
