(The hidden cost of fast fashion)
I have a gathering to attend
It is important that I spend
Some of my (hard-earned) money to buy
A new outfit, because how can I
Repeat an outfit worn previously
We are going to take pictures obviously
That would, on social media sites be displayed
Comparisons between the last party and this one would be made
It’s an unwritten rule to not repeat an outfit
I care for my image, I don’t want to be a misfit
*
I am not a movie star or royalty, and so
Moolah on designer clothes I cannot throw
I buy an inexpensive (but stylish) dress
It does make me look good, I confess
Made in a country on the planet’s other side
This designer knock-off is perfect for a few wears, I decide
Fast fashion allows me to acquire
On a budget, the celebrity looks I desire
*
On the other side of the planet, hidden away
In a sweatshop, she toils every day
All of thirteen, she leaves school to come here
Perform back-breaking labor, in constant fear
Of being abused, injured, or not being paid what is due
Risking fire, toxic fumes, other hazards too
She distracts herself from her miserable fate
She imagines wearing the dresses they create
*
I garnered attention at the party in my beautiful dress
The photographs were brilliant, the event was a success
I wore the dress again a few months later elsewhere
I snagged a button and the stitching unraveled out of nowhere
The dress had served its purpose anyway
So without second thoughts I threw it away
*
My discarded dress that served me well for a night
Now languishes in a huge landfill, an ugly sight
It was made of polyester, so it would stay
For hundreds of years without decomposition or decay
*
All I wanted was to look good for one event
Social or environmental exploitation was never my intent
Yet my ignorance and my selfish motives were tied
To child labor, exploitation, environmental pollution worldwide
Once I learnt this, I felt a pang of remorse
I decided to completely reverse my course
*
I am learning to repeat outfits (creatively)
I am learning to buy quality over quantity
I look for clothing sustainably made
From natural fibers that can degrade
Clothing made in countries with sweatshops I no longer buy
Of course my new clothes are priced high
So I buy less, sometimes buy from vintage stores
By leaving fast fashion, I’ve realized less is more
Passion...unbridled 