Are you consciously aware of the enormous degree to which the fashion industry negatively impacts our world? Today the fashion industry plays a major role in the unethical treatment of animals, using carcinogens in our garments, and supporting slavery in the form of slave labor. Fashion is an industry that desperately needs our attention. It’s time for a makeover. It doesn’t matter if you consider Vogue your bible or only shop once in a blue moon. This is an industry that merits our attention. Below are four things you should know about your clothing.
There are cancer causing chemicals on your clothes
Do you know that there are carcinogenic toxins on your clothes? Carcinogenic = cancer causing. Folks, our skin is our bodies’ largest organ and it absorbs whatever we put on it. The fact that there are pesticides, insecticides, and flame-retardants on our clothing is disturbing to say the least. (Next time you’re browsing through the racks at your favorite large retailer, rub your fingertips together. There will be a gross film that has transferred off the clothing and onto you. ) Most of the large retailers also use disturbing amounts of lead on accessories such as purses, belts, and shoes. Lead exposure has been linked to higher rates of infertility in women and increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Many scientists agree there are no “safe” levels of lead exposure for anyone. So why are these companies still using it then? And why are we still buying from these companies and using these products?
There are 50 MILLION slaves in our world today
For just one minute I want you to think about something. Have you ever taken the time to wonder how companies like H&M, Forever21, Zara, and other big retailers can sell their clothing for dirt-cheap? There are people, including children, in countries like India, Cambodia, and Uzbekistan who are being forced to work against their will. These poor people are picking cotton, sewing, or dying leather and aren’t being paid a cent for their time. They likely made the clothes you are wearing right now. How would you like being bound to a life of enslavement with no chance of ever getting out? The factory workers who are actually being paid overseas are earning less than a living wage – meaning they can barely afford food or shelter. If you are shopping at these places you are part of the problem. Please stop supporting companies that are mistreating other human beings.
The aftermath of our overconsumption
Did you know that the fashion industry has turned the four basic seasons into fifty-two “micro-seasons?” If you’re asking yourself why, it’s very simple. The industry is encouraging consumers to constantly be consuming. Large retailers are putting out new trends every week for consumers to buy as many pieces as possible, as quickly as possible. The point of creating these new looks every week, is to make us feel off trend after the first wear. They say on average, Americans throw away eighty-eight pounds of clothing per year. Because most of our clothing today is made with synthetic, petroleum-based fibers, it will take decades for these garments to decompose. At the rate consumer waste is piling up, it doesn’t look so great for the future of our planet.
Animals Used For Clothing
Every year, millions of animals are being killed to satisfy our love of fashion. There is an immeasurable amount of suffering that goes into every leather piece, fur jacket, or wool sweater. When fashion literally kills, it’s time to start reevaluating the industry standards and see what we can all do together to turn this negative into a positive. I’m still amazed how many people I see gushing over their love for their own pets, yet they choose to promote the killing of other animals. Why do certain lives matter than others?
But, we’re not powerless
What gives me the most hope when thinking about these issues is that as consumers, we have all of the power! Purchasing power is everything, and it’s in our hands completely. We get to choose where we spend our money. Are you going to support the companies that are promoting child slavery, or will you vote with your dollar by choosing the ethical fashion designers who want the best for you and your family?
It’s unsettling to know how most garments are manufactured, distributed, and marketed to drive consumer-purchasing trends. Thankfully, there is a solution to this insanity. It all comes down to educating yourself and adjusting your lifestyle in a way that doesn’t require extreme consumption