The month of November, a month dominated by Black Friday, at Komrads is all about overconsumption and mass production.
This is why:
In our modern world the fashion industry is a beacon of innovation, creativity, and rapid change. With trends evolving at a dizzying pace, consumers are enticed to update their wardrobes regularly, all while fast fashion giants offer an abundance of affordable, on-trend clothing. While this might seem like a win-win situation, the unspoken truth is that overconsumption and mass production are wreaking havoc on our planet and society.
The Dark Side of Mass Production
Mass production has transformed the fashion industry into an efficient, profit-driven machine. However, this efficiency often comes at a steep cost. As demand for new styles grows, so does the production of clothing. This has led to a vast oversupply of garments, resulting in a surplus of unsold inventory. Fast fashion retailers are notorious for producing massive quantities of clothing, which they market as disposable, seasonal fashion.
What happens with unsold clothes and shoes?
- One of the most alarming destinations for unsold clothes is the landfill. Each year, 92 millions of tons of clothing end up in these massive waste sites, contributing to environmental degradation.
- Some unsold clothing is incinerated, releasing harmful toxins into the atmosphere and exacerbating climate change.
- Many brands sell excess inventory to discount outlets, devaluing their products continuing a cycle of overproduction.
ONLY 20% OF TEXTILES ARE COLLECTED FOR REUSE OR RECYCLING GLOBALLY.
Mass production of clothing consumes vast amounts of resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. This overproduction contributes to pollution, deforestation, and excessive carbon emissions, accelerating climate change. Additionally, the rapid turnover of clothing trends often leads to unethical labor practices, with workers in developing countries subjected to low wages, long hours, and poor working conditions to meet demand. Overall, the culture of overconsumption and disposability discourages individuals from cherishing and repairing their clothing, contributing to a throwaway culture that devalues craftsmanship and quality.
What can we do?
As consumers, we have the power to change the fashion industry by making more conscious choices. Support brands that prioritize sustainability, ethical labor practices, and quality over quantity. Embrace the concept of slow fashion, which focuses on buying less, choosing quality, and investing in clothing that lasts longer. Before buying something new, assess whether you truly need it. Participate in clothing swaps, thrift shopping, and clothing rental services to extend the life of garments.
And most important: support truly sustainable brands, like Komrads.Encourage the growth of sustainable and ethical fashion brands by supporting their products and spreading the word about their mission.
Overconsumption and mass production in the fashion industry are at the heart of an unsustainable and damaging cycle. The fate of unsold clothes, whether they end up in landfills or are incinerated, comes at an enormous cost to our planet and society. We all have a role to play in changing this trajectory. By becoming more conscious consumers and supporting ethical and sustainable fashion practices, we can pave the way for a more responsible and environmentally friendly fashion industry.
The time to make a change is now, and it begins with the choices we make as individuals.