Environmental Eruption & Human Rights Horrors
The Fast Fashion industry. Full of trends, failing to make mends and even more rule bends. The industry that gives you cheap clothes and puts a smile on your face- only by wiping off millions of others. From Human Rights violations to overwhelming pollution infiltrations, this industry is much more damaging then meets the eye.
*Keep reading to hear from our special guest writer!*
Environmental Eruption
Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
The rapid surge of 'fast fashion' in recent years, fueled by the Covid-19 pandemic and social media influencers, has raised critical legal and environmental concerns. Fast fashion, characterized by its cheap and rapidly produced clothing, contributes significantly to global pollution:
Making the fashion industry the second-largest polluter worldwide.
This industry's practices, including the disposal of unsold textiles, disproportionately affect regions like Africa and Asia, exacerbating economic and social challenges.
In response, the European Parliament is taking legislative action to promote circular and sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
Proposed measures include extending product lifespans, encouraging reuse and recycling, and ensuring ethical treatment of workers.
While these changes may impact employment, they also herald opportunities for legal innovation and a more sustainable future. By aligning with brands committed to sustainability, consumers and lawmakers alike can influence the fashion industry's transformation toward ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
Even though these issues may not be anywhere near as obvious in Australia, textile waste is one of the largest contributors to Australia’s’ waste problem.
How we implement sustainable processes in our own country, alongside supporting development in others is central to tackling one of the biggest issues of our century.
Human Rights Horrors
By Madysson Cocking (Human Rights Activist, GULS President & Founder of LawSuits)
As a 22-year-old woman with access to social media, I understand all too well the pressures of maintaining appearances and keeping up to date with trends. I also cannot say that I have never succumbed to the allure of a cheap dress or mass-produced tee – however, since broadening my horizons and learning about the depth of human rights abuses and ecological disasters which are spurned by fast fashion, I have completely changed my approach to consumption and personal presentation.
Photo by Francois Le Nguyen on Unsplash
It is impossible for a brand to produce fashion at such a speed that fast fashion does, while remaining ethical. Businesses rely on profit – and for a $6.00 skirt to bring in a profit, while requiring design; creation; and shipment in order to be desirable… something has to give.
Photo by Rio Lecatompessy on Unsplash
Not only do fast fashion brands promote ecological destruction, they are also guilty of abusing millions of people across the world. Over 13 million individuals who work in the fashion industry are victims of modern slavery, and fast fashion brands are the biggest drivers of this exploitation.
You may be wondering – how is this legal? Put simply, it’s not. Put slightly less simply, it’s… complicated. Most countries are able to truthfully boast that they have strong, favourable labour laws in place. The problem does not lie with the law, it lies with the application of the law.
In countries with high textile exports, labour laws are not enforced in favour of child labour, forced labour, and other facets of modern slavery offering a wealth of ‘benefits’ to the wealthy and the powerful.
Personally, no free delivery will ever be worth the suffering and untimely deaths of over 13 million people.
Is there something you’re passionate about? Apply for an opportunity to write a segment for upcoming gazettes by emailing: guls-vp@griffith.edu.au
What can you dO Now?
Although it might seem like there are no other options, solutions are everywhere. For example, within the Griffith Law School there is LawSuits - an affordable clothes hire initiative with sustainability and accessibility at the forefront of its purpose.
For events like Law Ball’s and Job interviews, services like these are both economically and environmentally impactful and leave a positive imprint on society. If you wish to find out how you can get involved, email: guls-president@griffith.edu.au.
Bad advice from jeremy
On the topics of the fashion industry, I’m going to list the 3 worst items someone can wear.
3. Monocle
The only reason this didn’t wipe the floor with the competition and go straight to number 1 is that it’s not an item anyone wears at all. Do you think you’re the Monopoly man or born in the 1800s? If the answer to those questions is no then wearing this shouldn’t ever cross your mind.
2. Ripped Jeans
Don’t get me started, especially if you’re buying them pre-ripped. I’m all for customizing and being adventurous by chopping up a pair of normal jeans, but paying extra money for less clothing?!
1.Crocs
Wear slides, wear shoes or even just go barefoot. Crocs are diabolical for fashion, for useability and just all round existence. The fact you can customize them with inserts into the holes is not a cool feature, it’s for preschoolers.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Get out your capes and masks - it’s time for a Bar Crawl to remember (or forget 😉)!
Join us as we crawl through the streets of Gotham, seeking justice and wreaking havoc on SEVEN evil exes… or bars, if you will. With free shots, discounted drinks, competitive drinking games against your nemeses… this is not one to miss.
Bring your non-law friends along for the ride, and let’s get this party started!!
Dates to put in your calendar:
Law Ball: 11th of May
Theme: Old Hollywood
Logan Fun run: 26th of May
Distances: 2.5km, 5km or 10km
Comment below what you’d like to see the next topic of the Gazette be!