While fast fashion has made clothing more affordable, the low costs result from exploitative labor practices and environmental degradation. Workers in the Global South earn minimal wages and frequently work under hazardous conditions, while textile waste contaminates ecosystems. As consumers increasingly demand ethically produced clothing, slow fashion emphasizes sustainability and equitable wages. However, is it a viable option for everyone? Can consumer choices truly foster change, or does the industry require fundamental transformation? This discussion sheds light on the hidden costs associated with inexpensive clothing.
 
Participants:
Venetia La Manna – advocate for fair fashion practices
Walden Lam – co-founder and president, Unspun
Katia Osei – leading researcher and bioengineer, Or Foundation
Joy Buchanan – associate professor, Samford University
 
Host: Anelise Borges