The High Cost of Our Cheap Fashion | Maxine Bédat | TEDxPiscataquaRiver

Summary

In this talk, the speaker sheds light on the environmental and social impacts of the fast-fashion industry, which is the second-largest polluter globally. Highlighting the rise of polyester and its harmful effects on both the planet and workers, the speaker urges consumers to become 'citizen consumers' by making informed, ethical choices. They emphasize the power of purchasing decisions to drive positive change in the fashion industry, advocating for sustainable alternatives like Zady, which prioritizes natural materials and transparent, ethical practices. Ultimately, the talk calls for a collective effort to support slow fashion and clean up the planet.

Takeaways

• 😀 The apparel industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, with a significant environmental impact.
• 😀 The fast fashion industry has led to a massive increase in clothing consumption, with Americans purchasing three times as much clothing today compared to the 1960s.
• 😀 The rise of polyester, a plastic made from fossil fuels, has been a key driver of fast fashion, contributing to pollution and environmental harm.
• 😀 Polyester is non-biodegradable, shedding microplastics when washed, which enter water systems and ultimately harm marine life and humans.
• 😀 The creation of polyester is energy-intensive, requiring much more energy than natural fibers like linen.
• 😀 Most of the clothing we wear today is produced overseas, primarily in countries like China, where coal energy is heavily used in manufacturing.
• 😀 The apparel industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, significantly contributing to climate change.
• 😀 Many apparel workers are exploited, with approximately 80% of those employed in the industry being women, and 98% of them earning below a living wage.
• 😀 Consumers are often unaware of the full impact of their clothing choices, including labor conditions, environmental harm, and the sustainability of materials.
• 😀 The creation of Zady, an ethical fashion brand, aims to provide a sustainable alternative by promoting transparency and ethical manufacturing processes.
• 😀 As citizen consumers, we have the power to influence the fashion industry by making informed choices, asking questions about materials and manufacturing, and supporting sustainable and ethical brands.

Q & A

What is the primary environmental issue discussed in the script?

The primary environmental issue discussed is the pollution caused by the apparel industry, which has become the second most polluting industry in the world. This includes issues like non-biodegradable polyester fibers, microplastics entering water systems, and the industry's high carbon and water pollution outputs.

How has the apparel industry changed since the 1960s?

Since the 1960s, the apparel industry has drastically increased clothing production. The average American used to buy 25 pieces of clothing per year, but today that number has tripled. This shift is attributed to lower production costs overseas, the rise of fast-fashion brands, and aggressive marketing.

Why is polyester a significant problem in the clothing industry?

Polyester, which is now in over half of our clothing, is a synthetic plastic made from fossil fuels. It is non-biodegradable, sheds microplastics when washed, and is energy-intensive to produce. Additionally, polyester fabrics trap heat, making them non-breathable, which can increase sweating.

How does polyester contribute to environmental pollution?

Polyester contributes to environmental pollution in several ways: it is made from fossil fuels, it sheds microplastics into the water during washing, it takes up a significant amount of energy to produce, and it is non-biodegradable, meaning it stays in landfills indefinitely.

What is the connection between fast fashion and global carbon emissions?

The fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, which is five times more than all airline travel combined. This is mainly due to the energy-intensive production of clothing, especially in countries like China, where much of the apparel is manufactured using coal-powered energy.

What are some of the labor issues associated with the apparel industry?

Labor issues in the apparel industry include forced labor, child labor, and low wages. It is estimated that about 80% of apparel workers are women, and 98% of them do not receive a living wage, keeping them trapped in poverty.

What role does consumer behavior play in shaping the apparel industry?

Consumer behavior plays a crucial role in shaping the apparel industry. By being more mindful of what we buy, where it comes from, and its quality, consumers can push companies to adopt more ethical and sustainable practices. Voting with our dollars can influence the direction of the industry.

What is the 'new standard' for sustainable clothing, as discussed in the script?

The 'new standard' for sustainable clothing includes user-centered design, using natural materials, working directly with suppliers, ensuring transparency in manufacturing, and producing domestically. This standard aims to create clothing that is ethical, sustainable, and durable.

How can consumers identify ethical and sustainable clothing?

Consumers can identify ethical and sustainable clothing by checking tags for material sources, asking brands about factory transparency, looking at the durability of clothing (e.g., the quality of seams), and considering the environmental and social impacts of production, such as water usage and fair wages.

What is the significance of 'shadow factories' in the apparel industry?

Shadow factories are secondary facilities used by fast-fashion brands to meet production demands at lower costs. These factories often operate under worse labor conditions and lower standards than the primary factories that are showcased in marketing materials.