Written by Oloruntobi Adejare
Ever ordered a trendy outfit online for ₦3,000, rocked it once, and tossed it aside?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That’s the world of fast fashion: affordable, trendy, and tempting. But behind that great deal is a not-so-pretty truth costing our planet big time. Fast fashion is booming, and social media trends are changing by the minute. Influencers regularly partner with fashion brands to promote new outfits, while clothing companies release dozens of collections each year to keep up with fast-changing trends. The pressure to “keep up” is real, but it has become a major problem for the environment.
You might be wondering, what is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the mass production of cheap, trendy clothes designed to be worn a few times, then discarded. These pieces often mirror celebrity styles or runway looks and are pumped out at lightning speed to feed consumer demand. Sounds harmless? But here’s what you might not know: fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, and I would be breaking down the environmental Cost of Cheap Clothes:
1.Textile Waste: In Nigeria alone, tons of used clothes, some barely worn, are dumped, burned, or left to rot. Globally, 92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced each year. That’s like a garbage truck full of clothes dumped every second, and most of it ends up in countries like our very own Naija.
2. Water Waste: Did you know it takes about 2,700 litres of water to make just one cotton shirt? That’s enough for one person to drink for two and a half years!
3. Toxic Dyes & Chemicals: To get those vibrant colours and finishes, many clothes are treated with harsh chemicals that pollute rivers and harm local ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them.
4. Carbon Emissions: The fashion industry produces more carbon emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Think about that.
But it’s not just the planet that pays. Behind the low prices are real people, mostly women and children, working in dangerous factories, getting paid next to nothing. Long hours. Unsafe conditions. No real protection. A case study is a country like China, where fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu are alleged to be at the forefront of such working conditions. While we wear their struggle for a few likes on social media, the people making those clothes are often living in poverty, just so the rest of the world can buy a T-shirt for next to nothing.
So, What Can We Do? I know someone somewhere is asking.
Oh well, sustainable fashion doesn’t mean boring fashion. It means making better choices, ones that are good for you, your wallet, and the world. I’m not here to tell you to stop buying clothes or cancel your favourite brands. I’m still learning too, but we can make better choices, little steps that lead to big change. Now, I try to buy less, choose well, and rewear often. I visit thrift stores, swap clothes with friends, and follow brands that care about the planet. Sometimes it’s just asking myself: Do I need this? Before I click “Add to Cart.”
Here’s how you can help:
✅Buy Less, Choose Well
Before buying that next outfit, ask: Do I need this? Can I style what I already have?
✅ Support Sustainable Brands
Shop from brands that prioritise ethics, fair pay, and eco-friendly materials, even if it’s just once in a while.
✅ Thrift, Swap, Repeat
Thrift stores and clothing swaps are not only budget-friendly but also great for the planet. Rock a vintage look and save the earth while you are at it.
✅ Speak Up
Use your platform, whether it’s TikTok, Twitter, or IG, to call for more transparency in fashion supply chains. Your voice matters.
Conclusion
At NGYouthSDGs, we believe youth hold the power to shape a cleaner, fairer future. Whether we are spotlighting climate action or pushing for policies that support sustainable innovation, our message is clear: Our lifestyle must be just, sustainable, and inclusive. We are committed to working with young changemakers to raise awareness about sustainable living, promote local eco-entrepreneurs, and push back against systems that exploit people and the planet. Every time you choose to buy better, reuse, or upcycle, you’re taking a stand for the planet. The fight against fast fashion starts with awareness, but it grows through action.
