The average American now buys sixty-eight pieces of clothing per year, nearly double the amount purchased just two decades ago. This shift toward "fast fashion"--inexpensive, trendy clothing designed to be worn briefly and then discarded--has transformed not only our closets but also our planet.
The environmental toll is staggering. The fashion industry is responsible for ten percent of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. A single cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water to produce, enough drinking water for one person for over two years. Meanwhile, synthetic fabrics like polyester shed microplastics with every wash, contaminating waterways and entering the food chain.
Beyond environmental damage, fast fashion often depends on exploitative labor practices. In pursuit of the lowest possible production costs, manufacturers frequently operate in countries with minimal labor protections. Workers, predominantly women, may earn as little as three dollars per day while working in unsafe conditions.
Some consumers are beginning to push back. The "slow fashion" movement encourages buying fewer, higher-quality items and shopping secondhand. Clothing repair and upcycling have gained popularity on social media, as young people seek sustainable alternatives to constant consumption.
Critics argue that individual choices alone cannot solve a systemic problem. They call for industry-wide regulations on environmental impact, supply chain transparency, and fair labor standards. The true cost of a five-dollar T-shirt, they argue, is far higher than its price tag suggests.