March 6, 2021
Caila Barreiros
Staff Writer
Fashion choices have formed an everlasting effect on the trends that have been seen for decades. Today, this is known as “fast fashion.” A large percentage of businesses have found that the best way to keep their profits high is by selling clothing that replicates high-end fashion trends. Therefore, businesses such as Forever 21, H&M, Mandees and ZARA have turned to selling mass-produced clothing at low prices.
Many big brand stores also have factories overseas. In these factories, there are children who are working in unhealthy conditions for little to no pay. The United States does not allow children to work in factories or unhealthy conditions and specifies that only individuals of age are allowed to work certain hours and numbers of days, as explained in The Guardian.
In 2018 there was a survey conducted that showed that about 80 percent of consumers are interested in where their clothing is made. This is because only certain, and mainly poorer, countries still have these massive factories. However, clothes made in these countries are less expensive and more practical to buy. Whereas celebrities who try to make a difference and correct this issue are able to because they have the ability to shop in small exclusive boutiques.
A large percentage of businesses have found that the best way to keep their profits high is by selling clothing that replicates high-end fashion trends.
“The situation is improving. ILO estimates suggest child labor declined by 30% between 2000 and 2012, but still 11% of the world’s children are in situations that deprive them of their right to go to school without interference from work,” said Child Labor in The Fashion Supply Chain.
The issue of having a carbon footprint and emissions from textile and clothing industries also occurs. With the current generation so concerned about the state of the environment, it is clear that the environment is actually changing for the worst.
“The Ellen MacArthur Foundation put global textile industry emissions at 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, close to the level of emissions from the automobile industry,” said Ending The Era of Dirty Textiles.
Some simple ways to try and combat this raging issue are by checking all labels on clothing and making sure that they were made in an ethical way. To do so, consider shopping at green clothing stores like Eileen Fisher, Levis and Patagonia. So the next time you go to the mall, consider stopping by new stores and paying close attention to the labels.
