Fast fashion is like a stick of chewing gum. At first, it’s flashy, fun, and full of flavour—a burst of excitement that promises so much. But before you know it, the sweetness fades, the texture turns questionable, and[ you’re left with something utterly unsatisfying. That’s the story of fast fashion: it hooks you with the latest trends but leaves you craving the next thing before the first has even run its course.
But this bubblegum burst of consumerism isn’t as innocent as it sounds. Fast fashion is a full-blown fiasco for our planet, workers, and even your wardrobe. Let’s break it down with some cold, hard facts—and a playful twist.
Waste: The Disposable Dilemma
Just like gum that litter our streets, fast fashion leaves a trail of trash behind. Every year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste are dumped worldwide. That’s the equivalent of a rubbish truck full of clothes being burned or sent to landfill every second. Yes, every second! And like gum these fabrics don’t just blow away—they take decades to decompose.
But wait, there’s more. Approximately 87% of all clothing ends up in landfill or incinerators. Meanwhile, only 1% of old textiles are recycled into new clothes. It’s a chewing-gum-flavour cycle: endless newness, endless waste.
Pollution: A Planetary Problem
Producing fast fashion creates a carbon footprint bigger than your favourite influencer’s shoe closet. The fashion industry generates 10% of global carbon emissions, making it a major player in climate change. And let’s talk water: making one pair of jeans guzzles 10,000 litres of water—that’s enough to keep you hydrated for 10 years.
Fast fashion might be “in style” for a moment, but the damage lasts lifetimes.
The Worker Woes
Fast fashion’s low prices come at a high cost to workers. Many garments are produced in countries where wages are low, hours are long, and safety standards are a distant dream. A horrifying example? In 2013, the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1,134 workers. The industry promised to do better—but exploitation remains stitched into the seams of many fast fashion brands.
The Consumer Conundrum
You, dear shopper, are also caught in the sticky cycle. Fast fashion tempts you with bargains, but these pieces are often poorly made and don’t last. In fact, the average garment is worn just seven times before it’s tossed aside. Like a stick of gum, fast fashion leaves you unsatisfied and searching for your next “fix.”
A Sweet Solution: Slow Fashion
Good news: you can break free from the fast fashion trap and opt for something more sustainable. Enter slow fashion—clothing made to last, crafted with care, and often using upcycled or responsibly sourced materials. At Bona Ogle London, we’re chewing over the problems of fast fashion and spitting out solutions:
- Made to Order: Every piece we create is made just for you—no overproduction, no waste.
- Upcycled and Vintage Fabrics: We turn discarded textiles and old jerseys into one-of-a-kind designs.
- Eco-Friendly Production: All our items are crafted under one roof, reducing unnecessary shipping and waste.
What Can You Do?
You’re not just one person in a sea of shoppers. Your choices matter. Recycle your clothes, support sustainable brands, and consider repairing or upcycling your wardrobe. Together, we can clean up this sticky situation—one thoughtful choice at a time.
Fast fashion might chew you up and spit you out, but slow fashion? Now that’s a flavour worth savouring.