The fast fashion accountability debate toggles between businesses and consumers. But if neither wants to be at fault, something has to be given. In this case it is Earth.

We critique each other’s choices about whether to buy fast fashion or not. To buy or not to buy second-hand goods. Fast fashion continues to expand and produce, and the environment continues to deliver results.

Small but saturated market

Most fast fashion consumers are women. Marketing efforts often target them, most inventory is women’s clothing, and women’s fashion is generally a larger market than men’s.

But arguably, men’s fast fashion consumers are just as prevalent, creating demand for a whole new target market for these companies. Sales, new opportunities to earn more money.

Still a small sector today, men’s fast fashion has clearly contributed to the rise of giants like Shane.Over the past five years, Shein’s revenue has been 2,465%.

While this astronomical shift is due to social media and influencer marketing, Shein’s opening up of the brand to new genders has undoubtedly played a big part in increasing sales as well.

Same book, just different pages

Both men’s and women’s fast fashion are environmentally destructive despite differences in style and degree of harm. Responsive supply chains operate beyond consumer demand and pollute the planet. It leads to excess products and materials.

Overproduction and overconsumption are two of humanity’s greatest failures. Flooding landfills pollute once-freshwater rivers, pumping carbon dioxide and chemicals into the air, depleting oxygen and damaging ecosystems.

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By supporting fast fashion businesses, we facilitate these actions. We cause devastation, looting, and ultimately devastation. Personally, my only defense against these consequences is to only buy second-hand goods.Our planet can no longer afford to produce new clothing.

Whether we accept society’s materialistic tendencies or live in a state of ignorance and denial, there is work to be done. Work that our planet desperately needs us to do. Despite our many differences in opinion, identity, economic status, or geographic location, we all have a responsibility to do what we can to save the planet.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed herein by Impakter.com columnists are their own and not those of Impakter.com. — in featured photos: Men’s clothing and accessories. Featured photo credit: Norwood’s Theme.