H&M Storefront The Xavierite
As fall is approaching and our wardrobes begin to change, shopping usually becomes busy around this time of year. However, have you ever thought about the impact you can make simply just by shopping?
When considering the large options of stores, we must begin to realize that though some companies may seem under cost, they may be hiding large human rights issues. Fast fashion stores like Shein, H&M, Zara, Forever 21, and many more have been part of a major crisis that severely abuses the human rights of sweatshop workers..
Due to quick production, and keeping up with current trends, materials are cheaply made as they aren’t not meant to last long-term. This is to create mass qualities for customers while lacking quality for companies to make more money, while severely unpaying their workers as they live below living wage. Other times, workers are not paid at all through the use of slave labor.
“I don’t like fast fashion,” shared one editorial board member. “Even without the glaringly big issues, the clothes aren’t very good quality, most fast fashion clothes have a short life and create so much waste. Depending on how poor quality they can be, they are uncomfortable to wear or cause allergic reactions,” they added.
“Sweatshop wages can be so low that they barely cover essential needs,’ reports The World Counts. “Some people work for as little as 3 US cents per hour, often more than 100 hours per week in conditions of poor air quality and extreme heat.”
However, when looking into these mass productions, the question arises of under what conditions is fast fashion being made?
“We should acknowledge the conditions in which the people who make our clothes work in,” comments an editorial board member. “If the process of making fast fashion is bad for our planet, imagine how bad it is for the humans making it. It’s a human rights issue.”
Sweatshop workers are forced to work under inhuman conditions, some including; abuse and mistreatment by companies, followed by unhygienic environments In worst case scenarios, they’ve worked up to 72 hours straight, reaching past overtime.
Oftentimes, these workers are found to be children due to the impoverished conditions. “250 million children between 5 and 14 are forced to work in sweatshops for up to 16 hours per day,” states The World Counts. “The sweatshops produce projects for western markets including clothing, shoes, and toys.”
As consumers it’s important to acknowledge that our purchases do have consequences to those involved in clothing production. When we buy an item from a fast fashion outlet, we are supporting the companies that harm their workers.
However, simply shopping at thrift stores allows customers to control who we ethically support. Not only are we able to support businesses that recycle items for a new owner, we are becoming environmentally conscious as we’re preventing landfills.
“The fast fashion industry is a significant contributor to the climate crisis, responsible for as much as 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions,” states Center fo Biological Diversity.
Chicago has many thrift stores around the area, especially near SXU campus.
Second Chance Thrift Shoppe is only minutes away from campus. Other thrift stores include Hope’s Thrift Boutique, Village Discount Outlet, Family Thrift Store, Second is the New First, and many more.
The editorial board have routinely shopped from thrift stores and specifically made field trips dedicated towards these activities.
“Things you find at the thrift store you will hardly see in stores,” mentioned an editorial board member. “I have found so many expensive pairs of jeans that cost $200-300, for around $5. Imagine the money people would save while also staying away from buying fast fashion clothes.”
Another member writes, “Most of my favorite items that I’ve bought are from thrift stores, they feel unique since it’s the only piece like it in the shop. Plus, the thrift store I love going to is a small business, so it’s nice being greeted by workers who’ve become familiar faces and gotten to know me.”
The next time you go shopping, please consider what companies you will be supporting. In every purchase comes the question of whether or not this item was produced ethically. Every action has a reaction.
“If you still want to purchase fast fashion we can’t stop you, but at least consider the process behind it, “ a member states. “There are other options.”
Although we understand you are in control of your own actions, we hope you begin to reconsider and question the impact we have as individuals when accomplishing to remove these issues as a whole group. No matter how small we try to aid human rights or environmental issues, every small step leads to a greater impact.