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The Hidden Human Cost of #FastFashion
Did you know that Fast Fashion doesn't only impact the environment but also labour? Fast fashion relies on globalisation, and like all exploitative industries, it is powered by cheap, underpaid labour used to generate huge profits with low production costs! š£ Like & Share this to help us spread awareness about the issue!
"A human life is worth far more than the unpaid costs of cheap clothes,ā said Livia Firth, Founder & Creative Director of Eco-Age.
š The global fast fashion industry is often called out for the exploitative working conditions in its factories that are staffed primarily by impoverished women ā especially in Asia. Many of these workers toil for little pay and have few rights, largely so clothing manufacturers in Europe and the US can keep costs low.
šØ Not only the poor working conditions, but #ChildLabour is also a particular issue for Fast Fashion that should be shed the light on. Much of the supply chain requires low-skilled labour and some tasks are even better suited to children than adults. In cotton picking, employers prefer to hire children for their small fingers, which do not damage the crop.
š¦ Since the #COVID19 pandemic started, research shows an estimated 21% decline in garment workers' wages throughout the world. They were some of the lowest-paid workers, to begin with, and now due to payment suspensions from brands, the factories have further reduced the workers' wages and some have even been let go!
At the start of the pandemic, a lot of brands stopped paying their factories, as demand decreased. However, during this time we have seen that the brands are still making profits, while the factories are shutting down, leaving a lot of workers in trouble. Things are only getting worst, as most of the factories are in South Asia, where the spread of COVID-19 has increased this year. Without wages and/or benefits, a lot of the workers are struggling to put food on their tables and donāt have any health care!
So how can you help? We would like to encourage you to:
šš¼ Buy less or buy second-hand clothes
šš¼ Normalise re-wearing
šš¼ Donate or swap clothes
šš¼ Research your favourite brands and question their social practices
šš¼ Shop ethical/sustainable brands if you could effort ones
Not only demanding change as consumers, but we also have to put pressure on the #FashionIndustry to make sure that #LabourRights are prioritized!
At Manushya Foundation, Business and Human Rights is one of our core focus. We are committed to putting #PeopleOverProfit and in ensuring that marginalized groups and communities are front and centre in any businesses that could negatively impact their lives! āš¼
šØ Content by: @rubynnastory
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