A massive environmental issue that many people may not realize they partake in is fast fashion.

Fast fashion has grown rapidly in popularity throughout the years. The problem, however, lies in its environmental impact and the mass production of low-quality, trend-based clothing. For example, SHEIN, one of the most infamous fast fashion brands. Known for selling inexpensive apparel and trendy clothes. Brands such as SHEIN have become widely known for selling inexpensive, trendy apparel at extremely fast rates. The company has also faced ethical concerns, including child labor scandals.

Beyond ethics, the scale of production is alarming. According to Yale Climate Connections, a new SHEIN design can take as little as ten days to become a garment. The company reportedly adds up to 10,000 new items to the site daily, producing as many as 600,000 items of clothing a week.

The fast fashion industry is driven by cheap prices and trendy clothes. Once these trends go away, people tend to throw these clothes away.  The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10 percent of our global carbon emissions. That’s more than the aviation and shipping industries combined. Many garments are made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, polyamide, and acrylic, which are non-biodegradable and can harm marine life, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.

While fast fashion is easy, quick, and cheap, it is harmful in many ways for our environment. There are sustainable alternatives that exist, that are less harmful to get the clothes you desire. Sewing, thrifting and supporting ethical brands offer ways to reduce environmental harm while still expressing personal style.