Reflection

Fast fashion. It seems like every clothing brand is making new clothing designs at a quicker pace, and consumers are purchasing and throwing away their clothes even more as the quality of clothing is sacrificed for cheap prices. When all it takes is one click of a button to purchase inexpensive clothes to meet the latest trends, it is all too easy to buy more than we need without considering the detrimental impacts of our actions. I wanted to explore this adverse impact we have on the environment by depicting myself buying clothes online as they are delivered directly to me, while piles of discarded clothes are submerged by the ocean, representing the impact fast fashion has on many aspects of the environment. The fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions in the atmosphere, and the use of synthetic fibers contributes to depletion of non-renewable resources and plastic pollution in the ocean as clothes break down into microplastics and pollute waterways. Clothing waste has a cyclic impact exacerbating climate change, as greenhouse gases cause the ocean’s sea level and global temperatures to rise. Creating this piece has inspired me to reevaluate my consumption patterns and take action in even the smallest choices in my daily life, as well as consider the larger impacts of climate change and sustainability on the world. I hope this piece spreads awareness and inspires others to move towards more sustainable fashion choices and become more conscious consumers.