A Call to Act: Fashion Choices That Reflect Our Values
The True Cost of Fast Fashion—and Why I’m Saying No This Holiday Season
With the holidays around the corner, I feel the pull to reflect on how my choices—our choices—truly impact this world. And I can’t help but think about how easy it is to get swept up in the holiday sales, the endless new clothes, and the cycle of “more.” This year, I’m making a big commitment: I’m stepping away from fast fashion, not just for this season but as a way of life. And I’d love for you to join me in this.
I know we just elected a president who doesn’t believe in climate change. The fact that this is our leadership now, in the face of such clear climate urgency, is deeply unsettling to me. But I believe in the power we have, right now, to create change. We are the first generation with the knowledge and awareness of the damage our choices cause, and we might be the last with the real power to make a difference. It feels like a heavy responsibility—but one we can take on together, with hope, resilience, and action.
I created Shared Elegance as part of my own journey to rethink how we approach fashion. Fast fashion is everywhere, tempting us with its cheap, trendy clothes from brands like Zara, H&M, and Shein. But behind those $10 shirts and dresses, there’s an enormous environmental and human cost. Here’s what we’re really choosing when we buy fast fashion:
Fast Fashion’s Toll on the Planet
Water Pollution: Textile dyeing is a huge source of pollution, poisoning rivers and oceans and impacting local communities and marine life. When I learned about this, I couldn’t look at my “cheap finds” the same way.
Extreme Water Usage: The amount of water used in fast fashion is staggering. A single cotton shirt can take 700 gallons of water, and one pair of jeans can require up to 2,000. This is happening in regions that are already dealing with water scarcity. I don’t know about you, but I think of how precious water is—and how a simple choice could help save it.
Carbon Emissions: The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than all international flights and shipping combined. Every time we buy a new item, it’s part of this carbon chain. This knowledge shook me and made me rethink each purchase.
Waste and Landfill Overflow: Fast fashion is designed to be worn only a few times, which means most of it ends up in landfills. 85% of textiles are thrown away each year. The waste is overwhelming.
Microplastics: Synthetics like polyester shed tiny plastic particles with each wash, polluting oceans and affecting the food chain—right back to us. It’s haunting to think about the sheer volume of microplastics ending up in our water and even our bodies.
The Human Cost
Beyond the environmental toll, fast fashion often exploits the workers who make our clothes. Most are women in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China, where they face unsafe conditions, long hours, and wages that barely cover basic living costs. The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which killed over 1,000 garment workers in Bangladesh, exposed just how dangerous this industry can be when profit is placed above people’s lives.
It’s easy to separate ourselves from this reality—it happens on the other side of the world, in factories we never see. But every purchase supports this system. Knowing this, I can’t keep buying fast fashion without feeling the weight of those choices.
Why This Matters Now
If we continue down this path, the impact on our world will be catastrophic:
Resource Depletion: We’re exhausting vital resources like water and arable land to produce clothing that’s often worn only a few times.
Accelerating Climate Change: The fashion industry’s emissions are set to rise by 60% by 2030 if we don’t change. That’s within our lifetimes—and it’s terrifying.
Pollution Crisis: The microplastics and chemicals that seep into our oceans will continue to impact marine life and human health.
It’s like watching a ticking time bomb, knowing that we’re part of what’s fueling it. But the beautiful part is that we also hold the power to stop it. Making even a small change can have a ripple effect.
Choosing a Different Path
Breaking up with fast fashion isn’t about giving up style or joy. It’s about finding new ways to appreciate fashion—ways that don’t hurt the planet or exploit people. Here’s how I’m doing it, and how you can, too:
Embracing Minimalism: I’ve started focusing on pieces I truly love and need. It feels so much better to have a wardrobe of meaningful pieces rather than a clutter of “fast fixes.”
Opting for Secondhand and Vintage: Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms like Poshmark give clothes a second life. This way, I know I’m reducing demand for new production and giving something that’s already here a longer life.
Exploring Clothing Rentals: That’s why I started Shared Elegance, to create a space where we can borrow and share beautiful pieces without adding to the cycle of waste. Renting allows us to try something new without the guilt of buying more.
Choosing Quality Over Quantity: Instead of splurging on a bunch of low-quality items, I now invest in pieces I know will last. The joy of owning something well-made, that you know wasn’t produced in poor conditions, is beyond satisfying.
Supporting Slow Fashion Brands: Brands that prioritize ethics and sustainability are out there, and they need our support. They’re redefining the industry with respect and responsibility.
Taking Care of What We Have: This part might sound small, but learning to repair and care for what I own has given me a new sense of pride in my clothes. Extending a garment’s life by just nine months can reduce its environmental impact by up to 30%.
Why It’s Worth It
Making these changes has grounded me. I used to shop for the thrill, for the newness, but now I’m finding joy in conscious choices. I can feel good about what I wear, knowing it reflects my values. And it’s not just good for the planet—it’s good for my peace of mind, my stress levels, and the space I take up in this world.
Cultivating Mindfulness: Every time we make a conscious choice, we’re bringing intention into our lives. I’ve noticed how focusing on quality over quantity has made me feel lighter and more fulfilled.
Reducing Clutter and Anxiety: A minimalist wardrobe has made my life simpler. The chaos of overfilled closets and impulse buys has been replaced by things I truly love and value.
Protecting the Planet for Future Generations: Every sustainable choice we make leaves a better world for those who come after us. And this, more than anything, keeps me committed to this path.
Join The Movement
This holiday season, I’m inviting you to take a stand with me. Let’s say goodbye to fast fashion and try something new. Whether it’s buying less, exploring secondhand options, or renting from Shared Elegance, every little change adds up. Let’s move forward together in a way that respects the planet, the people who share it with us, and our own values.
Visit SHAREDELEGANCE.COM and join this journey with me. Let’s create a future that truly reflects what we care about, one choice at a time.
