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The Conversation
The Conversation
Environment
Paula M. Carbone, Professor of Clinical Education, University of Southern California

Fast fashion may seem cheap, but it’s taking a costly toll on the planet − and on millions of young customers

Many shopping malls frequented by young people are dominated by fast-fashion retailers. Rober Solsona/Europa Press via Getty Images

Fast fashion is everywhere – in just about every mall, in the feeds of influencers on social media promoting overconsumption, and in ads constantly popping up online.

Its focus on the continual production of new clothing is marked by speedy fashion cycles that give it its name. Fast fashion is intended to quickly copy high-end designs, but with low-quality materials, resulting in poorly made clothing intended to be worn once or twice before being thrown away.

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