Today it is Black Friday, which marks a frenzy of consumerism fueled by countdowns, heavy discounts, and fast-changing trends.
Often, we are so keen to shop for low prices, that we forget where these products come from and who produces them.
From pollution-heavy production to overstocked inventories, our society’s consumption behavior worsens waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Behind the scenes, garment workers face exploitative conditions to meet demand.
While international legislation, such as the new EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are necessary to prevent labour exploitation in supply chains and adequate workers’ rights must be put in place and upheld to protect workers long-term, consumers can drive smaller change as well.
While choosing high-quality, sustainable pieces is often expensive and thus not an option for everyone, there are plenty of other ways to engage in conscious consumerism.
By using second-hand shops or apps, platforms that promote fair-produced products, organising clothes swaps with friends and your family, or borrowing from clothing libraries, you can play your part in lowering the demand for fast fashion.