H&M and Zara: Can fast fashion be eco-friendly?
Producing clothing is bad for the environment, but fast fashion companies H&M and Zara have come out with eco-collections that claim to reduce the harms involved. They also say that they’re moving their whole brands in a more sustainable direction. But is it all greenwashing?
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READ MORE:
Overview of the fashion industry, and towards a circular fashion economy: www.ellenmacarthurfoundation....
Materials in clothing: textileexchange.org/wp-conten...
Effect of the apparel and footwear industries on the environment: quantis-intl.com/wp-content/u...
Progress in sustainability in the fashion industry: www.globalfashionagenda.com/p...
Misleading statistics in the fashion industry: www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/1/...
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Kinda shocked at how fast people throw away their clothes. I'm glad that there's no strict date for fashion style in my country. I still wear clothes from 5 years ago and no one bats an eye
I couldn't care less what people say or think about my style. If I happen to have clothes that stay presentable 10 years and still fit, you can be sure I'll wear them. Also, I don's scoff at decent hand me downs, either.
I still wear my 17 y.o clothes. Just to make sure I keep my waist.
And most of these people can afford sustainable clothes! It's crazy
@@zitronentee 😂😂😂
i will buy new clothing, but i donate my old stuff. i am also a kid so i am grew out of my toddler shirts. i donated much of it to thredup or charity, and the stuff that is in rags i throw out. my old t shirts i use as Pajamas. i am so surprised ppl don't do the same as my family
"do you see this tag? it is eco friendly" "do you mean the clothing is eco friendly?" "no"
😆
Nor that the company is paying fair rates for people to sew it.
That right there! How can you ever trust any of these companies if you have to ask so many questions?
🤣😂😆
This reminds me of when I accidentally bought a protein drink once because it said plant-based (I am vegan) right next to the cap. Only after I bought it did I realize that "plant-based" was referring to the cap of the bottle which was apparently made from bamboo!? Lol.
I studied fashion in college and one of the possible aspects of sustainability we always talked about was ethics. Is a piece of clothing sustainable if its made of a Earth safe biodegradable fabric, but made by a person who is not being paid a fair wage and being over worked? The biggest problem with fast fashion (in my opinion) is ethics, because that's how they keep their prices low, so they're less likely to fix it. I do not think fast fashion can ever be sustainable, on a corporation or cultural level .
Agreed. I think we need to lean more on secondhand clothing services and changing culture than thinking corporations are going to restructure their business plan- they cannot create long lasting, sustainable, and ethical clothes and keep prices low- or even keep prices likely “reasonable” for most consumers.
I agree, that was always the focus for me, but over the past few years everyones gotten so hyped up over sustainability that they turn a blind eye to the ethics of how its made, the term used to always be ethical fashion now its sustainable or circular.
as a fashion major student, I couldn't agree more.
Funny thing is in the west fast fashion clothings from Zara and h&m are viewed to be cheaper but here I personally find them expensive
@@llamaliammm Living in West Europe I don't find Zara clothing to be cheap per se. I would call it average, especially for the quality you get (often loose threads, sometimes defect seams, regularly lazy designs which are made to fit most body types but won't look good on any of those). Not saying it's always bad, every season they do have very nice pieces, just I don't understand the love for the brand. I have a feeling it was mostly (influencer) marketing which made them that popular, and after a while it became a "habit" for Zara to be seen as fashionable and influential.
Excellent job! Stop overconsumption by buying fewer quality pieces a year and stop getting manipulated by social media and marketing. Let’s focus on our self worth and our ability to care for ourselves, others including garment workers and the environment in a deeper way.
I believe you mean fewer quantity pieces and more quality, as they now aren't buying quality at all.
Yes the manipulation is real. Because we are constantly bombarded with new things everywhere around us, things also start feeling old very quickly. This constant need of new impulses is a very realistic (and concerning) thing. And I think this stereotype of having a full closet but nothing to wear is part of that need of impulses. People used to make their clothes feel "new" by adjusting some details. Nowadays people either can't sew (which is understandable and not a critique) or don't have time for such things.
Hello can I have your contact as email?
I have no problem using the same shirt for the rest of my life if it will hold on. But where can I find that "quality clothing"?
@@SantoRedentor not for the rest of your life but for many many years. Many good quality shirts will hold for 10 years or more if properly cared for. That's good enough.
I do buy fast-fashion but I use them for a very long time, and if I don like them anymore I will either give them to a second-hand store or will sell them. And I think if we all just do that the overconsumption will be a whole lot less. Because not everybody can afford to buy sustainably.
I feel this. I’m looking for places I can buy sustainable clothing. If anyone has suggestions please let me know. The brand Ka-Sha mentioned here charges £200+ for most items of clothing and I can’t afford it right now.
@@kerinwills yes it's true that a huge part still ends up in landfill. The store I bring it to does always put it in store, but idk for how long
@@navi6741 you should try thrifting, it is way more sustanible than fast fashion, and it is also very cheap.
My last run to the secondhand store I got so many cute, dare I say TRENDY pieces, each one under $5. And that is, in fact, the most sustainable way to shop. So yes, you can afford to shop sustainably
@@dancingdyonysis not everyone wants to wear clothes that belonged to strangers. don't even bring up that washing machines exist. cause that's not the point
Asking if fast fashion can be eco-friendly is like asking if blue can be red, it's just not possible. "Fast" fashion is inherently unsustainable by virtue of the fact that its main focus is being fast, which is necessarily wasteful. For fast fashion to be sustainable it would have to be SLOW!
I respectfully disagree but mostly because I believe most things are possible, just not probable. If we can figure out how to properly recycle the clothes (as in have +95% of materials go towards a new garment) and institute clean power in this process, it could be eco friendly.
@@explodingpryro I get your point and I agree that the power of recycling shouldn't be underestimated, but still, no matter how much you recycle, not producing that much stuff will always be the more sustainable alternative. Even if you could recycle 100% of materials, you still need to get the whole recycling process going, which requires resources. To start with, the products need to be shipped to and from the recycling facility. There, they need to be processed using machines, etc. etc. Even if this used 100% clean energy, too, all of this is still unnecessary and ultimately a process that wastes energy for no reason other than that people think they need yellow t-shirts this week because red t-shirts are now "out".
Really, that is the point. I hope one day it will happen.
@@explodingpryro I think fast fashion is only very theoretically possible to make sustainable, and we need to solve a million problems before having enough resources to make that happen. And by then maybe we've bypassed clothing entirely and are wearing skin-suits that we can change the appearance of at whim.
Omg I'm using this point in my article.. thank you :)
The main issue is consumers say they care, but don’t really at all.
@@verreal the thing is though it’s not my fault companies are garbage. I’m an individual who would like to have new clothes but I’m not rich nor middle class, so fast fashion is what I buy. I don’t have thrift stores where I live, and the few ones that are here are either expensive or full of garbage clothing
@@nattmoonlight5285, have you considered online thrifting? Edit: I also know some ethical and sustainable brands are having some sales right now that might be something you want as a option.
@@Andyatl2002 Shipping prob would make it as expensive as fast fashion or worse, depending on where he lives
@@spawn_dawn3657, there are some options on the online thrifting that narrow it down so it’s more local, of course this really is a chance but I think it’s better then not trying
@@nattmoonlight5285 always easy to blame companies and dont change yourselve, when it´s your money that is leading the company
It's not just fashion ... It's makeup too and everything else. All these problems boil down to overconsumption and the business will NEVER want to solve this because it means they will make less money.
Agreed! I always find makeup/skincare collecting as wasteful, because these things actually have an expiration date.
100% agree...a New type of production and consumption system is needed
You know, it just dawned on me. This is also the result of our psychological health. A person who says "I do not need more than 3 pairs of jeans" has to be confident, secure in themselves and content. To derive fulfilment, self-worth, self-esteem from other things, not including looking trendy. I would buy mostly second hand and I was very happy (also about the money saved). But slowly I started feeling... not good enough? Also my mom would sometime say I look like a bum, why would I buy used clothing if I can afford new one, etc. I also have a friend who always dresses gorgeous, always buying new clothes. Emotionally she is a mess, but she looks amazing. And I envy her. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am not as strong as I though I was and now the need for new clothes just help patch up some psychological gaps.
Interesting analysis. From my personal point of view, i try to buy clothes that last and i like allot. So i feel comfortable in them. Even though you cant be that fashionable, you can still have good looking clothes, that fit in most scenarios. Dont be discouraged from your way, just because people dont like your clothes. People who really care about you will stick arround regardless of what you wear. Alltough i get your need to get new clothes to fit in better. Youre saying you need confidence in yourself to not always buy new clothes, but maybe it also works the other way arround and by being brave enough to go against that trend you gain the confidence to take it further.
I'd like to have two of every style of jean I like for laundry purposes. Two black skinny, two blue skinny, two black bootcut/flare, two blue bootcut/flare. That's 8 total, and I bought 7 of them at Aerie on sale, the 8 was a gift. I've had them for a few years now and I haven't felt the urge to buy jeans since. My jeans, underwear, and bra are the only new things I buy. Everything else is thrifted. I own cashmere sweaters, wool sweaters, wool pants, really nice clothes that just happen to be thrifted. It's possible to look good/fashionable by thrifting. Just figure out what kind of style you like and buy thrifted clothes accordingly. Know your measurements so you can buy stuff online. And figure out the fashion YOU actually like. Fashion always changes constantly and keeping up with it is exhausting, doesn't flatter everyone always, and to be frank, makes you look like you have no idea what you actually like.
I understand this. I am trying to be very careful with what I buy. Buying quality that lasts longer. Shopping ethically. But I cannot deny that what I wear is a confidence boost, there is a huge psychological element. Also the dopamine from shopping ugh.
I have 3 Jeans and i think i dress well. Your self worth is much more important
Kinda related to a few ideas in this thread (relating to both self esteem/body image/multiple pairs of jeans! 😄) - I still have *so many* pairs of jeans in a variety of sizes from over the years, due to my size and shape changing. I lost a lot of weight 5 years ago from a combination of new medication side effects & some drawn out dental surgery dramas affecting what I could eat, so I had to buy a whole load of new clothes that actually fit (particularly things like jeans/trousers/bras/things that aren’t as flexible on sizing). Since then, the environmental conditions affecting the size and shape of my body changed in the complete other direction (hello pandemic lockdowns, and no longer walking so much on a daily basis as part of my commute!) that not only do the smaller clothes I bought no longer fit, but the ones I still had from before that time don’t either! 🤷🏻♀️ By this point I feel like I could open my own secondhand clothes store with things in a variety of sizes, including stacks of jeans in great condition. I’m terrible at organising myself/logistics enough to properly sell all the things mounting up around me, from clothes to electronics (thanks ADHD!), and I’m literally at the point of thinking about whether I can pay someone to do it for me, so I can be free of both the physical things taking up valuable space and the guilt from not wanting to to do damage to the environment by creating more waste, and then have the mental peace and clarity from not feeling so encumbered by all this stuff. (I do also donate things to various charities as well as giving away via local apps, but the financial cost of all the things I’ve accumulated over the years that I now need to replace isn’t nothing, so I definitely have a mental resistance to zeroing out that value and then having to find the money all over again. But this is probably a me problem, and the amount of mental clarity and physical space I could regain is probably worth sucking it up…) And even after all that, the fact is I *still* don’t have any jeans that fit me, so I still need to obtain *more* clothes! 😆😝 For a handful of years I’ve been doing my best to avoid anything with polyester and preferring natural fabrics where possible (feeling sweaty while wearing it is a more immediately noticeable problem than the environmental impact, but that’s certainly a driving factor for me too). I’m prepared to spend more money on good quality clothes that are ethically made, with sustainable materials that do less damage to the environment and make me feel more comfortable when wearing them, but I’m finding it to be a real challenge to meet all of these criteria, and also be available in plus sizes, and in long lengths. I don’t care about being “fashionable” or following trends, just finding clothes I like that fit me well and feel comfortable. It wouldn’t change a lot of people’s behaviour, but having knowledge of and access to suitable alternatives instead of the ever-present fast fashion stores would be really helpful. It’s a bit like the psychology behind breaking/forming habits - knowing something is “bad” is absolutely half of the battle, but unless you know and have something to replace it with, you’re much less likely to be successful. (On that note, if anyone has recommendations for places like this to shop in the UK, or resources containing other lists/recs, I’m all ears!)
I'm shocked to hear people buy clothes on a weekly basis. I wear mine for years 🤯
Same here last time I bought a new cloth 3 years ago and if I do only in special events or celebrations and they still looks new
I'm always shocked whenever I hear about people throwing away so many clothes. Why throw away clothing, unless it's in horrible condition (like a bunch of rags, not just missing a button) where it's unwearable? If you don't like your old clothes or they don't fit anymore, there are plenty of places in-person and online where you can sell gently used old clothes, and there are plenty of thrift shops, churches, and charities that will be happy to accept donations! Plus old clothes can be repurposed into new designs via upcycling, or household purposes like cutting up old clothes to use as reusable cleaning rags. I also think Home Ec should be required in schools and should include sewing lessons involving repairing and upcycling clothes. A burst seam or missing button is a very easy repair anyone with a needle and thread can do, there's no reason to throw away something that can be so easily repaired!
I agree that home ec should be required. For everyone. In my former school home ec was just required for girls and I think that's extremely dumb.
Ikr we can use clothes for a long time if we take a good care of them and mend them. I cannot imagine throwing away a cloth just because of a missing button.
@@afferlfan My dad's school when he was a kid made both Home Ec and woodshop required classes for every single student regardless of gender, and that was back in 1970's Missouri! There's no excuse for Home Ec to be a class only for girls in the 21st century! (Unless of course, it's a girls'-only school lol.)
Thrift stores throw away clothes that are considered from cheap brands because they don't last. Even if you try to be ethical with your old clothes it may not matter. My dad is a mechanic and my mom was raised by a farmer so we use our old clothes as rags to use when bleach cleaning or to clean up dangerous chemicals leaked from cars. They still end up in the landfill afterwards but at least they were used until they couldn't be useful anymore. No, we don't do this with underwear. Those end up in the landfill when they get holes in them. Nasty.
@@afferlfan I taught myself to sew on an old machine and it is really easy to hem straight clothes and sew on modifications. Literally KZhead is available to self teach.
The most eco friendly product is the one you already have. Keep it for as long as possible, repair it, resell it from person to person, stop buying new products, go thrifting, rent one-time-use clothes like suits and wedding dresses
5:00 how despicable, they only put the stamp is only meant for the tag, not the whole item lmfao 😭😭 that's a huge misleading!!
at that point it's just downright deception and shouldn't be legal
Fast fashion is the best at green washing. No clothes that are produced massively without regulations can’t be sustainable
*no clothes... can You used a double negation
If people who have the money to buy from sustainable brands or anything else over fast fashion, used it for that cause, we wouldn't have nearly as much trouble. And to avoid buying clothes every 4 weeks or so. That same logic applies to people who don't have the resources to buy nicer clothes, like me. Even if I'm a consumer of fast-fashion stores like Zara, it's not like I buy clothes that often; maybe once or twice a year and they're pieces that I will take care of while also being used in many different outfits. Second-hand stores are always an option and even if they don't have pieces you like, you can also give them a new life :) The thing is, there is something for everyone out there and maybe, by decreasing our overconsumption, we would encourage companies to stop overproducing. That alone brings so many other possible benefits but you get the idea ;]
I made some rules when it comes to buying clothes: I only buy one pair of new shoes a year (only when I need it), I buy mostly thrifted, I don't buy Jackets and sweaters anymore (Because I have enough and you can find it in any thrift store), I buy clothes that are plain and simple (so that it doesn't go out of trend), I repair when I can (repaired a pair of slippers many times, wearing them 6 years already), and make a list of things that i want to have so that I don't go overboard. I buy fast fashion for underwear and socks. I buy fast fashion when there is a piece that I cannot find in a thrift store and that i really want (but it's quite rare). I am happy with what I am wearing so far, you don't have to buy every week new stuff and buy sometimes things that are expensive and good quality (if you can afford it) that you can use for years (Shoes, bags, watch, jackets and sunglasses, it's a game changer and can make your clothes look more expensive).
when they tell you that it is recycled clothing or that they are “ Eco-frendly” DONT BELIEVE. I worked for a company that sells clothing to many of these fast fashion brands and it was all a lie- a big LIE, after I realized that my values were more important than working in an office i quit and now I just wear second hand clothes.
I shop only at Thrift stores. It's amazing how much clothes people give away because they don't fit it anymore or just tired of it.
lived in Brazil up to my 30s, and buying clothes there, even fast fashion brands like zara, is very expensive (example: zara is considered a brand for high-middle class to rich people there. not extreme luxury but a luxury brand). So I grew accustomed to only buying clothes when I needed and on special occasions (birthday, christmas, church/family/social events). I also always shared clothes with my younger sister, my mom and one of my grandmas. Mom and grandma always had a full wardrobe, and often grandma would pull up some vintage piece out of her closet, or would keep our clothes that were out of fashion in our eyes, just so we would pick it up again a few years later. Clothes that didnt fit anymore or were not 100% , but still usable, we would give away to other people, at least twice a year, and clothes that were too old or damaged would turn into cleaning cloths or my other grandma would cut them make clothes for our toys/barbies/dolls. Now I live in a rich country where clothing, specially these fast fashion brands are much more affordable, and yes I do get tempted sometimes to buy stuff.. but I always try to remember myself that it makes much more sense to spend more in fewer pieces of clothing that are better quality and will last longer.. and I prefer to save my money for when I do NEED to buy something, so I can spend more in a better quality thing.
Yes! also in Mexico Zara is also considered as "expensive" fast fashion for middle-high class. Normal fast fashion might be C&A or Shasa, middle class fast fashion H&M
In turkey also. Not every people buy from there
@@galatemalate1256 Zara is only considered as cheap by high-income people like Americans, Germans and Canadians.
In this video it's implied that these brands make clothes that easily fall apart but I wear my clothes from H&M for years and they're all still good
you miss the point that today one is forced to buy new clothes very often, with the social media pressure and one trend cycle lasting a few weeks. Previously, one trend cycle lasted years. You often see people having hundreds of clothes in their closets. out of which they use like 20% and rest are worn like once or twice something. Now, calculate the amount of water that was required, the pesticide etc to put those clothes together. RESOURCES WERE STILL WASTED. A piece of fabric sitting in your closet which you have no use of is WASTEFUL.
I have heard H&M and Old Navy sell clothes that fall apart easy but I am like you who can wear the same item from there at least a year. Shein clothes fall apart within the first wear. I guess it also has to do with taking care of old clothes? Using good detergent and setting the washing machine on an appropriate setting? But like the person said below a lot of it has to do with trends, unless it is Shein-- then it has to do with trends and the clothes literally ripping off your body.
@@jayaagarwal1040 Absolutely agree, that's a completely different point though
Yeah, you’re not a bad consumer bc ur keeping the clothes from these companies. Most people buy giant hauls of new trends, then never wear or throw them out right after
It depends, they have clothes that are decent quality and can last and clothes that are clearly poor quality.
Always donate your clothes to charity, keep your clothes, wear it as long as you want in style or not it’s still clothes. This is my way. Same with shoes and hand bag .Best wishes 🌹
I buy a lot of my stuff from H&M. I go for 100% natural fibres most of the times. I wear my clothes for five years on average. I recently found out that the yellow (jacket) I bought ten years ago was trendy again last autumn.
As a senior executive in one of the largest manufacturing company, I know how much waste produce in manufacturing process, how ethicaly major Brands works with manufacturers and FOB prices they pay. Very different from what they've show in their reports and web sites.
Actually it's a really good channel, I'm surprised why there are so few subscribers
Spread the word and help us grow :)!
People need to stop thinking that their clothes are going to impress people. At the end of the day, it's your personality, fitness, and skill set that will truly gain respect. The rest is often a waste of time and money.
Unfortunately people only pay attention to like 7% what you’re actually saying, 36% how you say it, and then more than 50% is the way you look. So yes, the way you does matter
I’m main character enough that not constantly buying new clothes isn’t stale but rather my classic aesthetic. Easter eggs to other designs make my style cohesive and realistic. My outfit design is slowly refined and evolved rather than going at the pace of a 12 episode short series
I started to find vintage fashion when I was younger because I admired the style worn by my parents in their youth in the 1940s . I built up an alternative style gradually over time although I did vary it sometimes and did wear jeans for factory work etc. It took off eventually and became fashionable as an alternative look and no-one bats an eyelid . It's certainly environmentally friendly as I have kept suits and all sorts of items for over 30 years and still use them. Also doing repair work. The fabrics are all natural.
Ye I have a similar situation, always loved alternative and vintage styles and I buy probably 90% of my clothing from second hand stores and have been for a while now, with exceptions for socks and such. One of my favorite quotes which I honestly don’t remember where I saw it is something along the lines of “the worst thing you can do for fast fashion is finding your own style” When you have a style you’ve found yourself not guided by trends, you’re gonna be a lot more precious with the items you get, even if they “fall out of fashion”.
Tbh I was so surprised-scared to go into a zara one week to see channel like suits and skirts to one week later to go to the "hippy" 70s shirts and jeans.
I beat fast fashion by using it as normal fashion :D I had zara jacket for 13 years and still good with a litle of repairs. People in Eastern eu like Lithuania could not afford new clothing if not for fast fashion. We would be still buying donation charity shops clothes like in 90's
Yup Im in USA and do this. Better for environment and wallet plus less stuff and less stress
My clothes usually last for 10 years, and then as they degrade, I demote them to sleepwear.
this channel is so underrated!
09:55 Amen! This lady makes sense. And this is why my choices are ultimately better for the environment, the economy and my own budget and style. Buying things that compliment most of your other wardrobe, that are timeless and chic will always be better! Always!
My mum got a new sewing machine as a wedding present from her mum! What a difference it would make in our lives and on the planet. I dont thing that a person who sews would be ever a consumer of fast fashion. It changes your attitude and perspective of clothes, waste, shopping and the appreciation of garments.
This episode it's the best of your series, full of data and facts not just a random guy following a recycling track! Continue the good work
I shop at Uniqlo / HM every once a year. I always wear the same clothes over and over again.. this fast fashion trend is crazy
If you want fast fashion clothes, just go to any thirft shop. It's hard to find anything that isn't H&M, Zara or Shein there these days...
I thought fast fashion was buying new clothes once or twice a year, not every four weeks 😳
Me too... Already feeling uncomfortable sometimes with buying something new (from fast fashion) for myself after a year. Right now I still wear some clothes from 10-15 yrs ago and haven't bought a new jacket in 5 yrs... ...that said I have kids now and they grow out of their (baby) clothes so fast, there I do need to make regular purchases. And then donate what I can as they are being outgrown. A lot of them are hand-me-downs fortunately. I guess this is more of a thing in the country I come from vs where I currently live. As a child I used to go thrifting with my parents and was a big day when we bought anything from a big store or had it tailored. The tailored stuff I still actually wear from 14yrs ago (and thank goodness it fits) 😁
I thought buying a new dress for each New Year's Eve was wasteful. 😂
I buy new clothing monthly but I still keep my old clothing from years ago.
Yeah. I buy neutral color and neutral styles. What I mean is just I can wear my clothes anytime.
when I see new items that's nice, told myself I don't have budget for that, I can't afford it now, maybe later, and I forget about it the moment I step out of that store. So that's how I do "sustainable". Actually I used to think afterward to maybe find the similar item in a secondhand shop, but I rarely go there now.
Why don’t you talk about expensive brands too? Who are exploiting people, killing animals and making ecological problems .
Because fast fashion is what most of the viewers probably buy and can relate to, and honestly, will end up being a much bigger problem if we let it continue growing the way it does. Both are an issue but fast fashion is quite a timely one
The expensive brands who have similar production processes as fast fashion are a problem too but they are contributing to environmental destruction less due to there being much lower volume of the clothes they make since fewer people can afford them. They just make more money off of those who can afford them. There is also high quality clothing and those that try to have a much more ethical production process but those things mean the products will cost more and to a shopper, they maybe will just go with the cheaper fast fashion options.
exactly
They already talked about expenssive brands. You can search
Brands that are eco-friendly, transparent and sustainable are definitely an option, however it is very expensive also which means that it cannot be afforded by the common man
They should be eco friendly, as long as the fast fashion exist. And the H&M and Zara are doing kind of well, they use recyling materials and they have some events "bring your old clothes". The most front standing brand for fast fashion (un eco friendly) is primark in my opinion.
You can make it eco friendly. It doesnt matter what they put for sale, what matters is how much are you willing to buy.
I but fast fashion, but I’m being 100% honest when I say this, I don’t buy it more than 5 times a year. I keep clothing that I’ve purchased years ago, even still having some pieces from the 2000s and other older pieces from family members. If you keep your clothing in good shape, you’ll rarely need to buy new ones. There’s only so much that you need. This year I purchased a little more than normal since I lost a lot of weight and my old clothes were literally hanging off me, but the only pieces I purchased were all from second hand stores!
I'm still kind of young so I had the problem that I would grow out of my new clothes too fast. But luckily my little brother likes my style too and he's happy about wearing them now. And I'm surprised about the fashion habits of some of my friends, who send me pics of what they just bought like every second week... So it is really important to spread awareness to this problem of overconsumption. Thank you for your work!
This is very well done. Thank you for this information.
I was shocked when i learned that people just throw clothes in trash if they don't like it anymore or if it misses a button. I didn't grow up in a wealthy family, so every t shirt to buy has to be of a decent quality to wear it for a long time and combine with most clothes i had. All the clothes i grew out of was donated to the church and my yonger relatives.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle is an order of operations. Recycling should always be the final solution, it's not a silver bullet. A tip for curbing impulse buying, only buy new clothing at the end of a season. If you need a new summer top, buy it in September, but before you do that consider if you really need it to take up space in your closet. Find ways to make clothes last longer. You don't need to be a professional seamstress to sew a button or a patch.
This problem is so huge that it's overwhelming and mind blowing how no big action has been taken still, the microplastic thing it's even more scary
I still have H&M and Zara stuffs from YEARS ago. No idea what kind of fast fashion these the media is talking about :/
😂 Same here in my country zara is brand for rich people it's soo expensive here and last time I bought a new cloth mb 3 to 4years ago I rarely buy new clothes
this is so helpful. I have been thrifting for a long time now rather than buying new and this has just helped me keep doing that more. I am trying now to only buy basics which are timeless and not something that just catches my eye for a couple minutes. Seeing our planet in this state is actually so sad.
buy high quality dresses, use them as long as you can, normalize buying and donating from/to goodwill
A great video, this topic needs to get more attention - so important
I haven't bought a single piece of cloth last year. But I was given a few pieces of working pants and shirts cause they just wear out, for a Christmas I got a shirt and pullover. I don't need much and after the clothes are inappropriate to wear in public I wear it at home till it disintegrates. Then it's usually used as rag because you want to have something to wipe hands and things stained with motor oil or other substances.
I completely agree that the consumers have the power in this situation. Maybe the only way any fashion brands will produce less garments would be if consumers bought fewer clothes. If we were to lower the demand for everything. Because however much you "buy green" or donate or resell your used clothes, the most eco-friendly thing you can do is to just not buy a new piece of clothing at all.
Great video!! Thanks for all your hard work researching
thanks for making this video and Im so glad to see people in the comment section sharing their POV. thank all!!
What would you choose? - New clothes every week or being able to eat what you like? Soon we will all have to make a choice.
I am very much guilty on buying fast fashion, since I can't afford to buy from eco friendly stores. However, I only buy what I actually need and a piece that is timeless. Istg the oldest clothing I have in my closet, which I still wear today, is a sweater that I first wore in grade 5-6... I'm now 19😭. I just can't fathom the people who throws clothes away and buy new clothes, for the sake of so called trends.
Thank you so much! Great work!
cotton needs 5,280 gallons of water in order to produce 2.2 pounds of cotton this is equivalent to a single t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Hemp on the other hand, utilizes 80 gallons of water which mainly comes from rainwater to produce has shown that on average 2 pounds of fibre.
Great job! Every thing is about our consumption. We need to stop overconsumption, change marketing strategics because people get manipulated so ealy througt them. Let’s focus on our self worth including garment workers and environment in a deeper way.
Children of developed countries should be brought to landfills as part of the curriculum.
Wow. This is an amazing documentation. Excellent!
I think one of the best things we could do, not as an individual but as a community, is to stop making clothing and generally, superficial matters, such an important part of our identity. I often seen young people making videos showcasing new items they acquired. A big part of their lives revolves around shopping, and therefore, their jobs. That doesn't benefit anyone. Capitalism has created a culture which prioritizes an item before an individual. You're not your thoughts or ideas (if these are not profitable), you're the brands you support and the resources you have. Young people may try to defeat the status quo in many areas, but one fundamental one that is being neglected is building oneself as an individual beyond a brand that supports your identity. Even ideologies are turning into a form of personality now, it's not longer an interest but rather, a characteristic. Social media has only increased the depth of this issue.
in the Philippines. we call it Ukay ukay. :))
Most people I know couldn't care less about sustainibility when it comes to things they are buying. I'd even dare to say that goes for a considerable majority of population in total. People want to look good for cheap money. Sustainibility issues don't stand a chance unjless you're professionally involved. We're too busy and distracted to care about sweatshops and worker abuse let alone pollution. I wish I was wrong, but literally NO ONE gives a damn. Otherwise there wouldn't be any fashion industry, let alone fast fashion. I don't know who these people are that throw away so many clothes. I have bedsheets that are 30 years old and still use them.
It's also responsibility of persons and government to focus on these things in true and depth detail
I never shopped at Zara or H&M anyways.
thats why its so important to find your own style so you know what clothes to buy and you can wear them forever
I can't seriously believe some people buy new clothes every 4 weeks and fast fashion at that. Why wouldn't you keep that money and instead buy something of a higher quality that's also sustainable twice a year? You really don't need a different outfit for every single day of the year.
I buy clothes almost monthly. But i buy high quality/Designer clothes used and let go of other pieces i dont wear anymore by selling them and making most of my money back.
😂Last time I bought a new cloth 3 years ago I don't buy clothes every year or monthly I buy it if I have a celebration or a big wedding but nothing else
One of my methods for eco clothing is to target underwear and splurge on that every year around Christmas because it’s amongst the cheapest types of eco clothing vs eco t-shirts or jeans etc. plus it’s a practical buy and most importantly underwear and socks etc. are the clothing that wears out the most. So it’s an easy win for supporting eco products without worrying too much about buying more than you need. Plus a good way to help people dip their toes in the water, maybe they aren’t into going in on eco clothing but they might be into a good pair of wool hiking socks aka nice thickly cushioned wool work wear socks. Granted I would recommend looking at the _type_ of socks they like before buying, or buying one pair or multiple pairs of different types to see what people like, before buying them a weeks worth of the preferred type since it’s amazing just how complicated buying socks for multiple people with multiple different preferences and needs can get. XD eg. Stay away from slow drying bamboo socks if someone is going to be wading through a wet paddock in the morning dew or people preferring short socks vs long socks and uniform colour requirements etc. etc.
problem is not these companies but us people who are willing to buy clothes every other day.
I would like to know more about lyocel and other alternative materials which are usually more eco friendly than organic cotton. I would like to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of these materials. Thank you 😊
i wear the same looking clothes every day and it makes me look like a cartoon character, im doing gods work
Hemp is the key of the sustainability.
how many different types of clothes can realistically be made out of hemp though? its mainly only summer fabrics, the issue in sustainability is there isn't one material you can choose to fix everything. I'm sure when humans started farming cotton they thought it was sustainable but nothing is sustainable when it is over consumed
I might be late to this conversation but this is a brilliant presentation. Respect.
Slit och sla(plus dots)ng was a concept in Sweden, often seen negatively since the 1960's I think. Today we have a very similar debate with consumer electronics, right to repair.
At hm its possible To find ecological cotton clothes from 100% cotton, the More demand the More production. But there Is also false marketing like when there web site say its 95% cotton you may resieve 95% polyester instead....
This pandemic has made me look into this and now I’m saving a lot of money and space and didn’t realize it till now. 🤷♀️
this hit home for me, thank you! :)
Replace pieces as they wear out, and replace them with quality/sustainable pieces that you can use for years… we can put an end to this. I’ve stoped buying so much, and only buy a couple of things per year. That’s it and it’s my new normal Stop letting marketing companies control you. They want you to feel inferior or not as cool as others… their job is to manipulate us
Muy interesante tiene razón ahora me gustaría ver este video en español. Gracias
Would you be able to provide a reference list for this video? It would be extremely helpful for further reading
Hi Gabrielle, when you click on "Show more" in the video description you will find a few links to further readings. :) We hope you find them helpful! 🌺
@@DWPlanetA thank you!
Very informative video, and eye-opening. Yet, I don't think its just H&M and Zara, that produce a LOT of GARMENTS each year. They cater to the people who are influenced by fashion, but don't have millions in their account. Nothing wrong in that. There are companies that sell TONS of clothes made in China, that are toxic to the environment and are NOT targeted here, like Levis, Abercrombie, Guess, Banana Republic, tons of high end US, and UK brands that haven't been TARGETED like H&M. Why?
No. Next question 🙄❗
Brilliant thanks 💗
I would have been interested on the perspective of brans like Patagonia or Mammuth as well
Very well produced video! I've checked out the blue, hand-knitted jumper on the end, that was shown as a positive example. And they are selling $400-600. I wish they've featured something else.
Really, almost everything sustainable is crazy expensive. Sustainability is a "fad" only rich people can afforsd.
just a comment to increase engagement
I love this channel!
Again, the problem is not the store, it's the consumers. You don't blame Zara or etc. for using such cheap clothes, but blame yourself for buying them.
Ignorant as ducks.
Thiis is actually why fur is good for the environment long run. it takes weeks to months to make a fur coat, most selling for thousands of dollars. they're seasonless.
I have to admit I do buy some fast fashion but I wear it for years. I have one item from Primark that we have patched up like 10 times already, but I love it so much, I refuse to throw it away as long as we can come up with a way to fix it ^^' Aspects that could improve this whole situation are also: second hand usage + donation, learning how to patch up clothes instead of throwing them away, fighting the "you need this brand or this trendy style to be cool" mentality. Also, some trends are a joke these days. no offence to crop-tops but they are mainly from warmer countries. Whenever I see a teen wear that in 0 Degree Celsius weather it's just like "you are not impressing anyone for being fashionable, you are showing that you waste money on damaging your kidneys... good job... get a sweater ffs" (sorry for the rant)
honestly in my country, Egypt we're already paying the price of sustainable clothes in fast fashion shops, that is because of the customs and shipping charges (it's a major problem in our country because if you want to order a 5 dollar lip gloss you'll pay around 40 dollars JUST shipping fees to egypt. I'm completely serious.) so 1. we don't really have any sustainable fashion 2. imagine what price we'd be paying if we already pay 50 or 60 dollars on a h and m sweater....
love this video!!!
I don't understand what the pressure is, not bought any new clothes for years
so fashion companies brands and outlets must be made responsible for textile wastes, and laws must be implemented that forbid them from exporting waste to poorer countries or dispose of them unsustainably. and the same goes for beverage companies producing constant plastic bottles. those two would be the single biggest impact we can realistically achieve within the next ten yeaers. halt the waste production immediately!
I never brought from Zara last time I checked but I did buy from H&M mostly suit anything else is primark or other cheap shop for lower class.
Learn how to shop! Touch the fabric, read the care label. When I buy clothes, it has to last for many years. I have clothes that I’ve had for more than 15 years, and it still looks good. Buy clothes that will last a long time.
True sometimes expensive doesn't mean good I always buy cheap clothes that last with me for more than 10 years and people ask me where did I buy them 😂 I think it's on the buyers not the company. People need to learn how to keep their clothes look new for 10 years or more
lately in my country, as it is becoming available I found organic cotton clothes which I love and this year I only buy 10 pieces of clothing, we actually don't need a lot