THE ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS OF FAST FASHION Flashcards
What are some criticisms of fast fashion?
Its negative environmental impact,
water pollution,
the use of toxic chemicals,
increasing levels of textile waste
What does it mean if something is bio-accumulative?
It means that the substance builds up in an organism faster than the organism can excrete or metabolise it
What is the problem with washing polyester garments?
They shed microfibres that add to the increasing levels of plastic in our oceans
These microfibres easily get into waterways, but because they don’t biodegrade, they are a serious threat to aquatic life
Small creatures can eat the microfibres, which then make their way up the food chain to fish and shellfish eaten by humans
What is the problem with cotton growing?
It requires high levels of water and pesticides to prevent crop failure, which can be problematic in developing countries that may lack sufficient investment and be at risk of drought
What does it mean to MAKE DO AND MEND?
to manage with and repair the possessions one already has rather than buying new replacements
Why are clothes made from natural fibres not necessarily better than those that are synthetic?
Fibres have to be spun, knitted or woven, dyed, finished, sewn and transported which has many environmental impacts
~organic cotton requires high amounts of water, the impact of dying it is higher than that of dying polyester
Why is recycled content often best of all for making clothes?
It reduces the pressure on virgin resources
It tackles the growing problem of waste management
What does it mean to cut corners?
To do something in the easiest, cheapest way possible, often by ignoring rules or by leaving something out
What is a supply chain?
A series of processes involved in the production and supply of goods, from when they are first made, grown etc. until they are bought or used
What is something like if it’s FRENETIC?
Involving a lot of activity and energy in an unorganised way
What does it mean to outsource something?
To arrange for somebody outside a company to do work or produce goods for that company
What is a throwaway society?
A society in which things are not made to last a long time
