The Environmental and Health Impacts of Fast Fashion

Presenter

Rohan Heron

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A10, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Fast fashion is the excess production of clothes and fabric in order to keep up with the latest fashion trends. This clothing manufacturing uses toxic chemicals, dyes and synthetic fibers that harm the environment and humans. This industry also accounts for nearly ten percent of the global carbon emissions with intense water use. Hence the objective of this study is to reveal how this fast fashion industry adversely affects the environment and human health using a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature. It also aims to propose mitigation strategies for a more sustainable fashion industry. The port of Iquique in Chile is a tax free zone, which contributes to the growing market for unsold clothing. Unfortunately, the clothes that aren't bought at the port get hauled off to the Atacama Desert or the “free-zone” where clothes go to sit and no one takes responsibility. The problem with the clothes sitting there is the long term effect of leaching toxins and micro plastics into the environment. The residents of these communities nearby often develop chronic health disorders that are difficult to take care of because of the exploitation of the people and their land. We have to raise consumer awareness, enforce stricter dumping laws, and innovate to discover environmentally degradable fabric, reuse waste clothing and promote sustainable practices. We need to change our mindset about wanting the latest trends, buy less and choose degradable fiber for a sustainable future.

Keywords

sustainability , pollution , environmental hazard , dumping, overproduction

Research Area

Environmental Science and Sustainability

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