The Devil Wears Plastic

Behind the glittering facade of fast fashion, it's not just Victoria that has a secret. Out of
the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills, becoming the
second largest polluter in the world just after the oil industry (Igini, 2023). The sad reality of it
all is that despite the planet choking on its own sequins and polyester, humans still prioritize
aesthetics over the environment which calls for our attention.

The rise of fast fashion started way back in the 1900s, rooted in a quick product in
response to current trends. The reason behind how it appeals to consumers on an emotional,
financial, and psychological level is through its ability to tap into feelings of self-expression,
social status, and instant gratification (Sierra, 2022). As the world becomes increasingly
connected through social media, the pressure to keep up with the latest fashion trends has never
been more intense. With its rising prominence, fast fashion brands begin to exploit this need for
constant novelty, churning out inexpensive, trendy garments at an alarming rate. This response
poses dire consequences for the environment, human health, and even societal values.

To be fair, fast fashion has its perks. It encourages people to keep up with the trends
without draining their bank accounts. Fast fashion is like a never-ending runway where everyone
can afford to strut their style on stage. But herein lies the conundrum: From the start of
production all the way to the disposal of apparel, fast fashion consistently stains the environment.
In a study conducted by the Center for Biological Diversity in 2023, it was observed that textile
production being a cornerstone of the fashion industry, pushes for the production of fossil fuels
as fibers and the cultivation of polyester and cotton, all of which gradually degrade the land.
Upon production, it leads to the usage of toxic chemicals such as pesticides and other
fabric-finishing toxins that soon end up in waterways (Turnberg, 2021). Adding up to this is the
extraction of materials and fabrics from animals, such as leather and wool which taps into the
complex web of resource depletion that continues to plague many parts of the world. With the
clothes themselves often lacking durability, they result in frequent replacements and more waste,
turning into a cycle that perpetuates a throwaway culture. According to the Ellen MacArthur
Foundation, the total global carbon emissions of clothing could reach 26% by 2050 which means
that the greenhouse gas emissions produced in manufacturing and transportation of clothing have
a serious global impact.

The dangers of fast fashion don’t only put the environment on the line. Instead, it also
jeopardizes human life without anyone noticing. In line with the constant lowering of planet
quality, it poses a large threat to the health of humankind. Such threats stem from the large
exposure to wet textiles, processes within the fast fashion factory, and resource contamination
within communities nearby. Health concerns arise such as pulmonary illnesses and waterborne
diseases which cause airflow blockage and breathing problems. These risks can even go as far as
the likelihood of having bladder cancer (Turnberg, 2021). Though bladder cancer is highly
recognizable and can lend itself to early detection, globally, it is among the 10 most deadly forms
of cancer (Saginala et al. 2020). With more of a demand for individuals to work these textile jobs
and mass-produce clothing, the amount of people being exposed to these conditions increases.
With this, more people are exposed to the hazardous conditions. The abundance of health
concerns tied to textile production and chemical usage suggests that there is physical harm
associated with the demands placed on the textile market by consumers within areas of influence.
With this, it makes one ponder upon the real price people are willing to pay in the name of
aesthetics and glamour.

With the industry's rapid production cycles, the disposable nature of fashion, and
environmental degradation, opportunities for both destruction and restoration continue to unfold.
It's necessary to address the devil named fast fashion because it deceitfully fools mankind into an
"Aesthetics over Planet" mindset, catalyzing a decline in the quality of life on a planet grappling
with formidable environmental challenges. Now is the time to wake up and see how fast it takes
for fashion to put our planet in ruin, because if not now, then when? Thus, it is time to take
action. Concrete initiatives that fall under the category of pushing fast fashion out of style are
through PRADA: PRoducing sustainability, ADvocating for relevant legislation and policies,
and Acting upon a greener truth.

Producing sustainability. Nowadays, where minimalism is in style and thrifting is the

new trend, a journey towards sustainability isn’t impossible after all. Fast fashion beckons with
its affordability and accessibility, while minimalist and slow living principles advocate for
intentionality, sustainability, and mindfulness. From building capsule wardrobes to having a
minimal amount of clothes that feel right, embracing minimalism is about fine-tuning a personal
style and simply ridding oneself of the excess. As many have become aware of the concept of
fast fashion, the new generation also openly accepted the idea of thrifting through indulging in
thrift stores, swap or barter communities, and even second-hand shops online. The art of thrifting
is and can be a solution to reducing clothing waste while still being able to develop a sense of
self through expression (Alfonsa, 2023). In choosing these fashion choices, it can foster a
wardrobe that sparks joy, stands the test of time, and contributes to a better, more sustainable
world.

ADvocating for relevant legislation and policies. Although there are no Philippine
legislation policies solely directed to combat fast fashion, there are still a few that help avoid its
environmental repercussions. One of which is the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid
Waste Management (ESWM) Law, which aims to achieve waste reduction, ensuring the
protection of both public health and the environment. This law can be a catalyst for change as it
urges Filipinos to lessen their carbon footprint and uphold a greener lifestyle as a consumer
which includes the fashion industry. In a global sense, an initiative called the United Nations
Alliance for Sustainable Fashion was built which commits to changing the path of fashion,
reducing its negative environmental and social impacts; including the reduction of the industry’s
waste stream, and decreases in water pollution and contributions to greenhouse gas emissions
(United Nations, 2019). Advocating for these laws and initiatives can influence global change by
spreading awareness, empowering assemblies and conventions that align with the intended goals
of the laws, and fostering collaborative endeavors within society.

Acting upon a greener truth. The monsters hidden in everyone's closets symbolize the
mass-produced, disposable garments that characterize the fast fashion industry—garments that
exploit finite resources and exploit labor. To address this common enemy, it's imperative to
remember that poor consumer choices not only affect personal wardrobes but also the world
humanity inhabits (Alfonsa, 2023). This approach requires a paradigm shift toward mindful
consumption by choosing local brands instead of retail, advocating for transparency in the
fashion supply chain, and using one’s voice and online platform to echo the truth the fashion
industry tries to hide. Acting upon a greener truth is not just a personal choice. It’s a collective
commitment to fostering an industry where style and sustainability coexist harmoniously, paving
the way for a more responsible and environmentally conscious future.

As the intricate threads of the fashion industry begin to unravel, it becomes evident how
the planet is gasping for breath behind all the glitz and glamour. In this struggle between quantity
versus quality, haste versus contemplation, and disposability versus sustainability, reflection and
action are needed. Hence, until sustainability ceases to be a luxury, the relentless fight against
fast fashion is never-ending. With each thread signifying a decision and each stitch holding the
potential for transformation, no one is left powerless. Through initiatives like PRADA, each
sustainable choice, each advocacy effort, and each step towards a greener truth is a strut towards
a path of victory against a common "fashionable" foe— the devil wearing plastic.
 REFERENCES:

Alfonsa. (2023, September 16). From excess to essence: Fast vs. Slow — The
Minimalist’s Perspective. Medium.
https://alfonsawrites.medium.com/from-excess-to-essence-fast-vs-slow-the-minimalists-perspecti
ve-92c9219c04b0
Fashion and the Circular Economy – Deep Dive. (n.d.). Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org.
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/fashion-and-the-circular-economy-deep-dive/
Home. (2019, February 11). The UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion.
https://unfashionalliance.org/
Igini, M. (2023, August 21). 10 Concerning Fast Fashion Waste Statistics. Earth.org.
https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/
Republic Act No. 9003. (2001, January 26). Gov.Ph.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2001/01/26/republic-act-no-9003-s-2001/
Shedlock, K., & Feldstein, S. (2023). Unraveling the Harms of the Fast Fashion Industry.
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Sierra, B. (2023, February 2). The Psychology of Fast Fashion: Exploring the Complex
Emotions that Fast Fashion Evokes in Consumers. The Sustainable Fashion Forum.
https://www.thesustainablefashionforum.com/pages/the-psychology-of-fast-fashion-exploring-th
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Turnberg, S. R. (2021, June 4). The Dangers of Fast Fashion: A Health and
Environmental Analysis. Tacoma.uw.edu.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1079&context=gh_theses