Fast fashion and consumerism

CONSUMERISM

Consumerism refers to an attitude and trend that promotes the excessive acquisition and consumption of goods and services, often beyond basic needs.

Large-scale consumerism in contemporary society compromises natural resourses and 

Sustainable economy.

EXAMPLES:

* Buying fashionable clothes that are worn only once or a few times.

* Accumulating unnecessary or decorative objects that take up space and resources.

*Buying beauty and personal care products in excess.

*Buying books, music or movies that are not used.

Consumerism can cause environmental pollution and global warming due to the excessive production of plastics and other materials. In addition to the depletion of material resources, as some... 

Natural ingredients are used in these product.

Causes:

Advertising and marketing:

Advertising creates a feeling of need, making consumers desire products that are not essential or necessary or also when there are offers we tend to buy too much or with excess just because it is at a low price, but we do not think about whether it is necessary or not.

How can we avoid consumerism:

Conscious Consumption:

Plan your shopping:

Make a list before you go shopping and limit the number of items you will buy. 

Ask about your needs:

Reflect on whether you really need the product or if it is just an impulsive desire.

“And reinforcing everything in excess is bad”

                                   FAST FASHION

Is a model of clothing production and consumption that seeks to manufacture garments quickly, cheaply and in large quantities, following the latest fashion trends. It is the type of clothing sold in many popular stores such as Zara, H&M, Shein, among others.

📌 Characteristics of fast fashion:

- 👗 Very cheap and attractive clothes.

- 🔄 Constant changes in collections, sometimes every few weeks.

- 🧵 Low quality materials, designed to last a short time.

- 🏭 Mass production, usually in countries with cheap labor.

🚨 Problems of fast fashion:

1. 🌍 Environmental:

- Generates lots and lots of pollution (water, chemicals, microplastics).

- It contributes to climate change.

- It causes tons of discarded clothes every year.

Alternatives to fast fashion:

- Slow fashion: buy less, better quality, and wear it longer.

- Buy second-hand clothes.

- Swap or repair clothes.

- Support local and sustainable brands.