Did you know? Today, a garment is worn on average only 7-10 times, then it's either thrown away or forgotten in closets. The cycle of mass production and rapid consumption brings as much harm as value created by fashion.
As you can see, the fashion world doesn't just produce clothes; it offers jobs to millions of people, an international trade network, a space for cultural expression, and a colorful ecosystem that touches our daily lives. However, in the last century, this vibrant sector has become focused on speed and consumption, transforming into a system that strains our planet and human labor.
Let's list the harms brought by mass production.
1. Overconsumption & Waste
Globally, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year. According to information provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, this figure is steadily increasing.
With TikTok content, styling tips, and new trends, there are no limits to consumption anymore.
2. Environmental Damage
Synthetic fabrics like polyester do not decompose for hundreds of years in nature. We recommend you read our previously written blog post about this! Dyes and chemicals used in mass production facilities mix with waterways and destroy ecosystems. Synthetic dyes and chemicals used in the production process are released into nature without treatment → polluting rivers, groundwater, and seas.
Even natural fibers like cotton threaten the environment due to excessive water and pesticide use in mass production.
Overproduction → excess waste: Unworn or unsold products are burned or thrown into landfills → increasing carbon emissions.
The energy and transportation processes required for mass production create a high carbon footprint.
3. Oh, Workers! The problem of labor exploitation is huge!
One of the darkest sides of mass production: low wages, poor working conditions, and child labor. Especially the Global South, meaning the South Asian region, is one of the areas affected by this. Unfortunately, it's an uncontrolled system. Demanding bosses and pressure from Western countries are quite inhumane to people in underdeveloped countries.
According to the Clean Clothes Campaign report, most workers are women and work in very poor conditions. “80% of garment workers are women aged 18-35 working under exploitative conditions.”
– Clean Clothes Campaign
🔗 cleanclothes.org
4. Have We Lost the Soul of Design?
Thousands of products produced at the same time, with no soul, no change! Do you realize you see similar products every time you enter a store? Do you question why?
The answer is simple: copy and paste. Today's system means you can find a groundbreaking product you saw on social media in a fast fashion store tomorrow. Perhaps when you see that product, you'll be very happy and feel part of something new, but remember, it will be old tomorrow.
As you can see, mass production does none of us any good. It does a lot of harm :)