The Pros and Cons of Shopping From Sustainable Lines of Fast Fashion Companies
Over the last few years, large fast fashion companies have been called out, and rightfully so, for unethical practices. Fast fashion companies are those that strive to follow or create quick-moving trends that the consumer feels the need to keep up with. Fast fashion follows 52 different fashion “seasons,” and most clothing sold by these retailers is low-quality and only meant to last 3-5 wears before being replaced by another item. Since the cost of the items sold at stores such as Forever 21, Zara and H&M are so low, their garment workers are likely not paid a fair and livable wage.
After the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, many brands began to follow the Bangladesh Fire Safety Accord which exists to help ready-made garment industry factories become safe. H&M was one large company that signed this accord. Additionally, the company promised to pay 850,000 workers a fair and living wage by 2018, yet failed to meet this promise. H&M also offers a recycling program and a conscious collection. The company has made improvements towards treating employees fairly; however, they have taken steps forward and backward all at once. Though it exemplifies progress to have a sustainable line, there is still work to be done when it comes to ethical practices within the company.
Zara is another large fast-fashion company that has developed a plan to be more sustainable. Zara recently implemented a recycling program in order to ensure products they have made that are no longer in style can be recycled or donated. On the Fashion Transparency Index, Zara received 51-60%. The company has also set goals to be 100% zero waste by 2023. Though Zara has made moves in the direction of sustainability, there is much work to be done.
Should we buy from fast fashion companies’ sustainable initiatives?
There are pros and cons to supporting sustainable lines from fast fashion companies. One of the pros is that fast fashion companies have always been convenient and large, making their products more accessible than those of smaller brands. It is a positive change that big companies like H&M and Zara are making strides towards sustainability. Since these are leading companies in the fashion industry, this brings hope that other brands will follow suit and create more sustainable practices. A con of shopping from the sustainable lines from these brands is that the funds still go towards the company as a whole. If the company only has one line that is sustainable, yet fails to meet their standards with all other lines they carry, the funds still go towards both the sustainable practices and the non-sustainable practices the company upholds.
When shopping from fast fashion lines that claim to be sustainable, it is important to look into the company and what it stands for. Resources such as the Good On You App and the Dressember Ethical Fashion Directory are great places to start the search. Additionally, you can view our recent guide that talks all about vetting brands and knowing what is ethical. While it is positive to support change for sustainability in the fashion industry, it is also important to demand change for how employees are treated.
About the Author
Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.