Environmental footprint of fast fashion under scrutiny

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Bengaluru thrives as a hub for fast fashion, housing flagship stores of major brands that cater to a growing consumer base.

While fast fashion offers affordability and trendy designs, its environmental footprint in Bengaluru, like elsewhere, presents significant concerns.

Fast fashion is a growing trend across India, with major international brands entering the market and a growing consumer base, especially young adults.

Factors like increasing disposable income, the influence of social media, and the convenience of online shopping all contribute to a rise in fast fashion purchases, which are observed across India, especially in Bengaluru. The fast fashion industry is notorious for its excessive consumption of water and chemicals.

In Bengaluru, where water scarcity is already a pressing issue, the textile industry's demand exacerbates the situation. Ketan Pishe, Partner at P N RAO, highlighted the industry's impact, noting that the production of textiles consumes vast quantities of water and releases harmful dyes into local water bodies.

“This pollution not only harms aquatic life but also renders water sources undrinkable for local communities, as seen with the contamination of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Karnataka,” he said.

Additionally, fast fashion promotes a throwaway culture. Collections change rapidly, encouraging consumers to discard clothes after minimal use, contributing to overflowing landfills. This cycle of production and waste further strains the environment, especially in urban cities like Bengaluru.

The synthetic materials prevalent in fast fashion, such as polyester and nylon, pose another environmental challenge. Derived from petroleum, these materials do not biodegrade, adding to the accumulation of nonrecyclable waste.

Ullash Kumar R K, an environmentalist and wildlife researcher from Ecowatch, underscores these concerns, advocating for sustainable alternatives like Khadi clothing. Khadi, traditionally made from natural fibres and dyed with eco-friendly materials, aligns with principles of sustainable fashion advocated by figures like Mahatma Gandhi.

Moreover, the fast fashion industry in Bengaluru is not without social repercussions. Labour exploitation is common in the rush to meet demand for cheaply produced garments. Workers in international factories endure harsh conditions and low wages, highlighting ethical concerns in the supply chain.

 Despite these challenges, are sustainable alternatives gaining traction. Thrift shopping and embracing hand-me-downs are practices deeply embedded in Indian culture that reduce waste and support sustainable consumption.

These choices not only lessen the environmental impact but also promote a more mindful approach to fashion. While fast fashion dominates Bengaluru's retail landscape with its allure of low prices and trendy apparel, its environmental and social costs are increasingly apparent.