AS I’m heading towards my mid-twenties, I realise that I need to declutter my wardrobe and start making more conscious fashion decisions. This realisation was made after I came across a video that briefly explained the consequences of fast fashion. Like many young people, I was gullible and tried very hard to keep up with trends. Fashion trends are forever evolving. New trends or designs might emerge, or even recycling may occur. As such, many young consumers would like to keep up with the trends.

This creates a high demand for clothing and accessories. With that high volume in demand in mind, many online platforms were created over the past decade. Many of them we commonly know today are based on their popularity and wide variety of options. I don’t even have to list them because I am sure you already know who these giant platforms are. Unfortunately, the concept of fast fashion is not sustainable. Many of the clothes are low quality and can only be worn a few times before being discarded.

However, they can be quite affordable, and the price tag ultimately increases the demand for such items. Yes, you’d pay a cheaper price. However, the ultimate cost is the consequences we have to face collectively, such as environmental challenges from the global fast-fashion industry. From the use of toxic, synthetic chemicals or materials to pollution and even the exploitation of labour and human rights are all prices to be paid.

The price is not only determined by the price tag, but it should be an overall cost of what it takes to make and use these items. The ultimate cost of fast fashion is very high on many levels. As such, I am pleading with you all to reconsider your stance on fast-paced consumerism and be more conscious about the items you purchase—all-inclusive, not just with fashion. In Guyana, I am quite aware of the economic constraints many of us face when it comes to spending. Many people might feel these cheaply made, affordable alternatives are the best option for their pockets.

That may be true, but as I’ve mentioned, the overall cost is not determined only by money. We might save a few dollars, but is it worth risking overfilling our landfills? Is it worth risking polluting our waterways with toxic dyes? Even if you’re interested in fast-fashion items, you should try your very best to maximise the use of every product to reduce waste. You can sell them as “pre-loved/owned” items or even donate them to the less fortunate. Some people would purchase clothes simply to hoard or wear them once.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you’re mindful of the cost and overall consequences that will result from continuously purchasing such items. It is a serious threat to our social development and environmental health. I hope you make the right choice and decision the next time you see a new trend or sale pop up. We can recycle, reuse, share, donate and repurchase our clothing and accessories. We can make conscious decisions that allow us to consider the future and our generations to come—not just selfish reasons for temporary satisfaction.