As a part of a sustainability project at university, we watched an eye-opening documentary: 'The True Cost'. This film has completely changed my view of the way that we buy clothes and it's had a major impact on the way that I shop.
Simply put, the fashion industry is dying. I say this, because the way that we make and sell clothes is not sustainable and it needs to change. The fashion industry is the second highest polluting industry in the world - second only to the oil industry. Until watching this documentary, I was oblivious and ignorant in regards to the issues surrounding the fast fashion industry. I knew there were issues in regards to child labour and worker's rights but I had no idea of the scale of these problems and the other issues surrounding clothing production.
I'm not going to talk about too many of the issues covered in the film because I think its really important that as many people see 'The True Cost', in full, as possible. (It's on Netflix!) But the issue that shocked me more than anything made me feel physically sick; I was completely unaware of the issues surrounding pesticides. Most people are aware that pesticides are used in farming, but what we don't see are the consequences that come from applying these chemicals. In many cases, the pesticides are sprayed manually onto the crops; as a result of this, the workers spraying the pesticides are giving birth to children with extreme disabilities. The worst part is, that it's something that can be avoided. I by no means blame the workers for choosing to work with pesticides - they do what they have to to provide for their loved ones. I blame the companies who are ignoring their workers' needs and rights, I also blame the wealthy consumers who have a careless, greedy approach to buying. This consumer group includes me. (I'm not being hypocritical, I'm feeling so guilty right now!!)
I'm completely re-evaluating the way that I purchase clothes; It's amazing that one film can have such a big impact. It's terrifying, knowing how uneducated the majority of people are when it comes to the corruption of the fashion industry. We NEED to change, people are suffering and dying for our superficial desires.
I'm currently boycotting brands that retail clothes at ridiculously low prices. My reasoning behind this is that if the price is shockingly low, then how can the retailer possibly be making money without cutting corners in regards to the manufacturing of their products. You also need to consider the quality of the product; It's so difficult to find high quality garments that will last a long time without compromising on the price. The fashion industry today is so wasteful, we buy clothes so cheaply and dispose of them without batting an eyelid. We need to start making clever purchases; buying one jumper that is made from sustainable, good quality fabric, that will last for years instead of buying cheap, poorly made garments that barely make it through the month.
Looking now at my clothes rail, I can see how greedy and thoughtless my buying patterns have been. I had a cost and style oriented shopping style, I'm working to change this to a more selective and thoughtful way of shopping. I know I won't be able to completely stop buying from non-sustainable retailers, but making more guided, selective shopping choices is a step in the right direction.
If you get a chance, please watch 'The True Cost'. Trust me, it will change your view of fashion and shopping!
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