Please check PM.  4th January, 2018 Morning Assembly Sharing- Ms Nicole Wong Fast Fashion

Ask yourself a question How many clothing items (jackets, jeans, scarves, T-shirts, skirts, etc.) do you have at home?

10? 20? Over 30??? Do we really need all of them? because they are fashionable or affordable? Or simply because they are Fast Fashion?

What is Fast Fashion? contemporary term used by fashion retailers designs move quickly from catwalk to retail shops  capture current fashion trends

What are the problems with Fast Fashion? Let’s watch a video so you can understand more: https://youtu.be/TDLSRl9lJE0

1. Poor working conditions Many garment factories are opened in developing countries, e.g. Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, etc. Workers work in very poor conditions and are underpaid Often involves child labour

2. Pollution More and more pollutants Global cotton industries use more pesticides Water is heavily polluted This could poison farmers and contaminate drinking water

3. Overconsumption The average American household  70 pounds of textile waste every year 10.5 million tons of textile waste being thrown away in the US alone Some are donated or recycled, but most are sent to landfills

What can we do? You can help yourself and help others get away from fast fashion. things you can do to make an impact are: buy and use clothes made from sustainable, organic fibers say “no” to sweatshops donate everything you aren't using limit your purchases!

Buy and use clothes made from sustainable, organic fibers Clothing made from natural, organic materials is better for the environment doesn't use as much energy doesn't use any toxic chemicals Examples: Bamboo, organic cotton, wool, silk These clothes will have a longer lifetime

Say “no” to sweatshops Take a look at your tags! made in a developing country (or in some cases, even China or the U.S)  sweatshop labour. Try your best to get sweatshop-free products, e.g. Lush, New Balance, Patagonia You can always search the Internet for the name of the company the clothing is from sweatshops. 

Donate! Donate! Donate! Donating your old and/or unwanted clothing is a great way to help and give to other people in need reduce textile waste How to Donate: gather up all your unwanted garments wash and then secure them in a bag bring them to a donation center / a clothing drop-off box /any charity near you

Most importantly – Limit your purchase Try not to buy too many clothing items Check your wardrobe before you go shopping Or try to upcycle your old clothes