Is fast fast fashion affordable? The hidden high price tag we pay for it!
Did you know that the textile industry is the second most polluting industry on the planet?
Here some numbers to think about:
- 20% of toxic chemicals discharged in rivers and seas are directly related to the textile industry.
- Every three out of 4 garments end up in landfills or incinerators.
Besides, since the fast fashion trend appeared, the percentage of labour exploitation has risen in countries with cheap labour and children are an important part of the textile industry for the manufacturing and dyeing of fabrics.
From the late 90’s-early 00’s the clothing industry has changed and today we have the “possibility” of having fashionable garments almost instantly at convenient prices, this means very cheaply for you and me!
However, have you ever wondered what is the real price of fast fashion?
Everything has a price tag and the price for this trend is expensive, we don’t see it reflected in our wallet but we see it reflected on:
- The ecological footprint of the textile industry on our planet,
- The impact of the working conditions;
- The health of the people who work in this industry and
- The health of the users, including the health of our babies.
Unfortunately, these problems continue as this industry must feed people who are constantly looking for the cheapest garment, without consciousness of the reason for that price tag.
What can you do not to be part of this destructive trend?
Buy pieces of clothing that are made as ethical as possible to reduce the ecological impact on the planet, but also buy from brands that can provide with information on the fabrics used and also on the labour conditions of their workers.
Regarding any type of baby clothing including cloth nappies, check that they have no harmful substances on them.
If the fabrics are dyed, check that the garment is made using materials that are free of banned azo dyes, which are harmful to human health, as they can cause cancer and are harmful to the environment.
These substances are harmful to people of all ages but particularly harmful for babies, therefore when buying garments for your baby you need to be extra cautious to check that they are made with material that are free from this nasty chemicals, especially in clothing like cloth nappies, as they are in close contact with your baby’s delicate skin.
Another substance you need to check for, especially in garments and toys used for babies, is phthalates. These are chemicals used in the manufacturing of fabrics like PUL, the waterproof layer of cloth nappies.
In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioural issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.
Sometimes a product looks more expensive, but once you checked how this product is made, it is easier to see the value of it.
Knowing this don’t you think is ti worth it checking well what types of fabric touched your babies delicate skin? Surely your baby is worth more than just a fast fashion trend!