1. Introduction

Fast fashion has revolutionized the way we shop, offering trendy clothes at low prices. But behind this convenience is a system that harms the environment, exploits workers, and encourages overconsumption. This case study explores how fast fashion's rapid production cycles and unsustainable practices are damaging the planet and society.

2. The Environmental Cost

2.1 Water Pollution and Waste Producing textiles, especially in fast fashion, uses large amounts of water and creates toxic waste. Dyeing fabrics releases harmful chemicals into rivers, polluting local water supplies. For example:

• A single T-shirt requires about 2,700 liters of water, enough for one person's drinking needs for nearly three years (World Resources Institute).
• Rivers near textile factories in countries like Bangladesh and China often contain dangerous levels of toxins (Greenpeace).

2.2 Carbon Emissions Fast fashion contributes significantly to climate change. The industry is responsible for 10% of all global carbon emissions - more than international flights and maritime shipping combined (United Nations).

• Polyester, a popular fabric, emits three times more carbon than cotton and is derived from fossil fuels (World Resources Institute).

2.3 Landfill Crisis Overproduction leads to billions of items being discarded annually. Most fast fashion garments are made from synthetic materials that take decades to decompose. For instance:

• Globally, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
• Less than 1% of discarded clothing is recycled into new garments (UNEP).

3. The Social Toll

3.1 Worker Exploitation Fast fashion relies on low-cost labor in developing countries, often under inhumane conditions. Workers face long hours, low pay, and unsafe environments. For example:

• In 2013, the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh killed over 1,100 garment workers, exposing the industry’s dark side (The Guardian).

3.2 Health Hazards The use of harmful chemicals in textile production endangers both workers and consumers. Prolonged exposure to dyes and pesticides can cause skin conditions and respiratory issues (Greenpeace).

4. The Psychological Impact on Consumers Fast fashion fosters a culture of overconsumption, promoting impulsive buying with constant new arrivals and aggressive marketing.

• Studies show that people buy 60% more clothing now than 20 years ago, but each item is kept for half as long (McKinsey & Company).