Thread by thread: The negative effects of fast fashion on the environment

Presentation Type

Abstract

Faculty Advisor

Greg Pope

Access Type

Event

Start Date

25-4-2025 10:30 AM

End Date

25-4-2025 11:29 AM

Description

This project focuses on how the creation and waste of fast fashion negatively impacts the environment. Clothes are currently being produced and disposed of at an alarming rate in recent years, as they are cheap to make and priced in desirable ranges. Unfortunately, this is contributing to pollution, waste accumulation, and excessive resource consumption. For instance, cotton clothing production extensively leeches from water sources. A singular t-shirt needs 2,700 liters of water to be made. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed and contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways. Non-biodegradable materials either end up in landfills or incinerated, contributing to the release of greenhouse gases. The internet itself is also a key driving force in fast fashion harming the environment. The high turnover rate of clothing articles stem from influencer culture and the need to follow social trends. Due to this, disposability is promoted and prompts individuals to toss their once-loved, no longer cool clothing. Not only do I aim to acknowledge these issues by analyzing real-world accounts of the environment being degraded by fast fashion, but I also aim to show that these issues persist due to poor industry practices and consumer behavior. My research will include a thorough breakdown of peer-reviewed articles, scientific studies, and reports that detail consumer behavior based on internet trends, as well as fast fashion’s direct impact on the increase in carbon emissions, water usage, microplastic pollution, and textile waste.

Comments

Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.

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Apr 25th, 10:30 AM Apr 25th, 11:29 AM

Thread by thread: The negative effects of fast fashion on the environment

This project focuses on how the creation and waste of fast fashion negatively impacts the environment. Clothes are currently being produced and disposed of at an alarming rate in recent years, as they are cheap to make and priced in desirable ranges. Unfortunately, this is contributing to pollution, waste accumulation, and excessive resource consumption. For instance, cotton clothing production extensively leeches from water sources. A singular t-shirt needs 2,700 liters of water to be made. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed and contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways. Non-biodegradable materials either end up in landfills or incinerated, contributing to the release of greenhouse gases. The internet itself is also a key driving force in fast fashion harming the environment. The high turnover rate of clothing articles stem from influencer culture and the need to follow social trends. Due to this, disposability is promoted and prompts individuals to toss their once-loved, no longer cool clothing. Not only do I aim to acknowledge these issues by analyzing real-world accounts of the environment being degraded by fast fashion, but I also aim to show that these issues persist due to poor industry practices and consumer behavior. My research will include a thorough breakdown of peer-reviewed articles, scientific studies, and reports that detail consumer behavior based on internet trends, as well as fast fashion’s direct impact on the increase in carbon emissions, water usage, microplastic pollution, and textile waste.