Fast fashion has long-lasting negative effects on society. Fast fashion is the rapid production of

inexpensive clothing in response to the latest trends and it has become a pervasive force in the modern

retail world. While it offers consumers affordable and in-trend apparel, fast fashion has detrimental

impacts on society.

With fast fashion, the environment suffers. The industry is one of the largest polluters in the world.

The production process often includes harmful chemicals that contaminate water sources, affecting both

ecosystems and human population. The amount of clothing produced also results in massive amounts of

waste. Many items are disregarded after a few wears, due to poor quality and no longer in trend. These

discarded items often end up in landfills, where synthetic fibers can take hundreds of years to

decompose, which can release toxic substances into the soil and groundwater.

Fast fashion also has severe social implications. The demand for low-cost clothing drives

manufacturers to cut corners, often at the expense of workers rights and safety. Many fast fashion brands

outsource production to countries with low labor laws, where workers, including children, are subjected to

poor working conditions, long hours, and insufficient wages.

One of the most popular fast fashion brands, Shein, follows these unsafe practices in order to

make affordable and trendy clothing. According to Time, Shein leaves about 6.3 million tons of carbon

dioxide a year due to their rapid manufacturing. Shein also uses harsh treatment on their workers. Shein

workers are in unsafe working conditions that lack safety protocol, like windows and emergency exits.

Shein is one major example of the negative effects fast fashion has on society.

Fast fashion is more affordable than other clothing brands. This can allow for more people to be

able to purchase the clothing items. However, the reason these products are so affordable is because of

the mass production and cheap material. This will only allow for short-term wear, and will have to be

replaced, causing this cycle to continue.

While fast fashion may offer short-term gratification, its long-term effects on the environment and

labor rights are concerning. It is crucial to adopt more sustainable practices and make conscious choices

that can benefit society and the planet.