By Sailor Ciluzzi
If I got a dollar every time I saw a fast fashion clothing haul on social media, I would be able to afford a villa in Italy overlooking Lake Como. If you are active on social media, specifically TikTok, it is more than likely you have reached a clothing haul on your feed. A clothing haul is a video where a content creator shows off their latest clothing purchases and gives reviews about the apparel to their millions of followers; these purchases are usually in massive quantities.
But what is the harm in posting a clothing haul? Influencers are creating content for their audience, and the fashion brands are getting publicity. Seems like a win-win, doesn’t it? Surprisingly, these clothing haul videos are dangerous as they support the fast-fashion industry by showing many garments people have bought at once from unsustainable brands.
Why Are Hauls Dangerous?
Clothing Hauls Cause Enormous Waste Since clothing is sold at ridiculously cheap prices, it has become normal for consumers to throw out their clothing and purchase new wardrobes every few weeks. According to an analysis by Business Insider, fashion production makes up 10% of total global carbon emissions, and 85% of all textiles go to the dumps each year. Hauls contribute to clothing waste as influencers throw away their old clothes because they revamp their wardrobe so often and keep up with the latest fashion trends.
Empty-Headed Consumerism When you are scrolling on TikTok and you see your favorite influencer showing off a top and she swears it is the most flattering and comfortable garment, it is likely you will develop FOMO and purchase that unnecessary top. Influencers and videos like this are feeding the fast fashion industry in the simplest form and inspiring others to purchase unnecessary garments.
The main issue with clothing hauls is the obsession with maximalism. Human beings have an urge to hop on every affordable trend without thinking about the consequences for our planet.
How Can We Combat This Issue?
It is evident that overconsumption and consumer mindlessness are the main problems with fast fashion hauls. It is up to us to make a change in the industry and change our mindset on influencers who feed this issue.
Disengage with content creators posting hauls. Influencers depend on their views, likes, comments and interaction with their accounts, so if we stop engaging with them, they will get a sign and stop highlighting their overconsumption of clothes.
Start following ethical influencers. There are countless creators out there posting content that has a positive effect on people and our planet. My favorite influencers are Natalia Spotts and Andrea Cheong. Check them out, they will help you revive your wardrobe in an ethical manner!
The change starts with you!
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