By Kathryn Roth and Salma Zaghari, staff writers
Every day, teenagers at River Hill are drawn to fast fashion stores online when they see a whole outfit for under $15 because what student doesn’t like a good deal. Retail outlets like Shein, Forever 21, and Boohoo sell clothing and accessories at affordable/inexpensive prices. However, shopping at certain online retailers leaves a huge carbon footprint due to the process it takes to make these items.
Fast fashion is cheap clothing that is produced by huge retailers hopping on the current trends. All items produced by these retailers are usually made in different countries by workers who operate in horrible conditions and earn less than minimum wage. With the low price tag, everyone, especially teenagers, is compelled to purchase from stores that are considered fast fashion whether or not they’re oblivious to the reality of the situation.
Ms. Lidgard, our principal, explains her style of shopping saying, “I spend a lot of time shopping at second-hand stores… typical fast fashion I stay away from…locally made, I do try to be responsible in terms of consuming.” Many people know that second-hand stores are a new and upcoming thing that has a better outcome than some online retailers.
When asked for her opinion on fast fashion stores, Junior Eliana Axler stated, “I do not shop at these types of stores. Yes, they have cute clothes, but places like Shein sell interesting things that I just don’t want to support .” Junior Bushra El-Bedawi brought up an interesting point of view, stating that, “Fast Fashion is very bad, but there aren’t many ways for people to shop away from it. Sure you can buy from local shops, but would you rather pay $400 for something I could just get for $20.”
Other students don’t mind the negative effects of fast fashion. Junior Katelyn Sharp says, “Yeah, I sometimes shop at those places, the circumstances don’t really bother me.” Junior Maya Kaye agreed and added, “Also, the shipping takes such a long time.” Considering the name, products should be coming “fast” but surprisingly it could take longer than a month for it to come.
Freshman Zoe shared her opinion on why should end she stated, “Fast fashion sucks, it is both unsustainable and unsafe. At this point, I have stayed away from the fast fashion industry overall. Instead, I buy from 2nd hand stores or just small businesses.” There is such a range of knowledge on this subject that opinions can be all over the place.
Fast fashion amongst students at River Hill can go either way. Acknowledging what happens behind the scenes can create a different opinion on any subject. Even in this high school, many don’t understand the effects and continue to enable the greed and immorality of its constituents, though they aren’t entirely to blame. Fast fashion has become one of the most accessible ways to shop, we need to shed light on the terrible effects our actions have on others. This topic in particular brings up a lot of questions to the public about if you are willing to give up fast fashion or if it is too good for you to let go.