The High Cost of Fast Fashion

August 9, 2024 I By Katie Cox, Executive Director

Dear Friend, 

The new school year is quickly sneaking up on us. I recently found myself looking through the closet of my youngest, trying to figure out what she may need when she returns to school. Inevitably, it is at least one new pair of MATCHING socks, although my daughters tell me matching socks are not “in”. For some reason not having a matching sock drives me a little crazy. I’m obviously not “in”. 

After going through her drawers, and with a little help from very convincing social media marketing, my youngest found her way onto a webstore called Shein. After perusing myself, I could see that almost ANYTHING was available to the online buyer and most things were priced under $10. 

I have heard the term fast fashion before, and quickly knew that this must be one of those companies. I took this opportunity as a teachable moment and searched for documentaries on fast fashion. I told my daughter, “Before you purchase your cart, you have to watch True Cost with me.” 

So, last night we sat down together and spent an hour and a half learning about the environmental impacts of fast fashion. Eye-opening would be an understatement. To see and hear about the working conditions of the humans making the shirt that we would be purchasing for $5 was gutting, to see the health impacts on the communities that house the factory was sobering, and finally, to see the environmental degradation that is a result of the millions of pounds of discarded clothing in places like Haiti was enough for sensitive-me to tear up.   

As a result of viewing these places and people around the world, you compare it to your own community. I thought about our wild mountains, the lush forests and our spectacular lakes we get to enjoy every day. Last night I felt even more blessed than I do on a daily basis.  

This movie was HARD to watch for both of us.  So many of the buying decisions we make on a daily basis have obvious and not-so-obvious implications on both people and the environment.  I, for one, am going to do my part in making better buying choices, knowing that I want all people to be able to feel blessed in the place they live as well as in their lived experience. 

Today, I figured out I can look at clothing companies online here and see how they rate on the impact they have on people, the planet and animals. As well, we have tons of opportunities locally to thrift clothing which also has a positive impact on our home planet, even benefiting other area nonprofits 

Needless to say, my daughter didn’t purchase her Shein cart. 

Thanks for listening to this week’s revelation,

Katie