The real cost of cheap fashionable bargains

Fast-Fashion Fashion started with the seasons fall / winter and spring / summer. This has changed dramatically in the so-called fast-fashion brands. There is a lot more new clothing entering the store, and everything that is not sold ends up in the garbage. It is also sold for much cheaper than ever. This is due to the change in the business model of fashion companies. In the past, almost everything was produced and sold domestically against the fragmented business model of today. In this, the processes of making clothes are spread over different countries. The main company often leases other companies locally for these processes. The consequences are that there are low wages and poor working conditions for the workers. That is how clothes can be made so cheaply. This while the high bosses (CEO) of these main companies get all the profits. In addition, it is an extremely polluting industry. 85% end up on a garbage dump. Due to rain, the paint of cheap clothing in waste mountains also ends up at groundwater making the water very toxic. Can have very big consequences for the environment as well as for humans.

Donating clothes as an alternative? There are stores that sell second-hand clothes: the so-called Thrift stores. The problem is that not everything can be lost there and there is still an extremely large part left. Another option is to donate to "poor" countries, such as countries in Africa or China. They already have enough of the clothes donated in these countries. Nobody wants to have it here either, the largest part is often of bad material and then it also ends up on the garbage dump.

What about recycling? Certain brands have started recycling programs such as Levi's, Nike, Zara, H & m etc. For example, they have recycling bins where you can hand in your old clothes. They claim to make new clothes. However, it appears that only 1% of clothing is recycled because it is very difficult. Many clothes are made of multiple fabrics, making this very difficult. The quality also disappears from a substance when it comes to wool or cotton, for example. It is therefore very expensive, technology is not there yet, too much time. The recycling programs of these brands are therefore more for the image than for the recycling itself. It is actually the model of the sun store itself. Many clothing lines are made again too quickly. In 24 hours more is made than can be recycled in 12 years.

What can you do as a consumer yourself? First, you can buy less clothing, think longer about whether you really need it. This saves costs and you will be more satisfied with the clothes you have. Secondly, it is wise to only buy quality clothing that can be recycled or used more easily. Thirdly, there is the option to only purchase from ethical fashion brands. These make clothing in an ethically responsible way. What is the ideal picture when it comes to a better fashion industry in the long term? What is needed for this is the restructuring of the fashion industry. The business model must be shaped in such a way that there is no waste at all and the preservation of the energy that the production uses. It must be in a circle. The consumer can keep (repair) or sell clothing / give away or surrender something where it is then refurbished (you can see this for example in Japan at some stores where something new from used clothing is made) or recycled (Making new fabrics through out to get old clothes) can be. This requires major changes in the fashion system, recycling technology and the mindset of people to be adapted and it is important in the design and popularization of separate stores or clothing platforms, for example.

Ehical brands:

1. https://www.everlane.com/

2. https://wearpact.com/ (Comfortable clothes)

3. https://www.thredup.com/

4. https://www.theablelabel.com/

5. https://www.alternativeapparel.com (Pretty basic)

6. https://www.wearethought.com/ (A lot of variety, sometimes boho)

7. https://www.peopletree.co.uk/ (Pricy, but variety in styles)

8. https://kotn.com/ (Basic)

9. https://www.threads4thought.com/ (Basic, affordable)

10. https://www.krochetkids.org (Nice and basic)