We all have that favourite piece of clothing, the one that feels comfortable, reflects our personality, and makes us happy. From sportswear, jackets, shirts, colourful T-shirts, and coats to extravagant dresses and hats, our wardrobes have become filled with clothes. Over the years, our clothing collections continue to grow, and sometimes we even forget about some of the items we own.
As fashion changes from season to season and new collections constantly appear in shop windows, it has become a habit to replace the clothes we already own with new and seemingly more attractive ones. As a result, large amounts of clothing end up in landfills, contributing to textile pollution. Why is this important, and what can we do about it?
The Fast Fashion phenomenon
Fast fashion is an industry term describing the constant production of new clothing at very low prices. Throughout history, clothing did not present such a problem because garments were made from high-quality, durable materials using production methods that allowed them to last for years, reducing the need for frequent purchases. With the rise of globalisation, however, clothing production changed. Today, the fast fashion industry is growing rapidly thanks to an increasing number of consumers influenced by social media, as well as economic and cultural changes. Although this industry has globalised fashion and made trendy clothing accessible to people around the world, it quietly causes more harm than good.
The environmental cost of fast fashion
Most major fast fashion brands release new collections every week, encouraging excessive consumption that results in enormous amounts of textile waste. These practices are among the main causes of excessive water consumption, high CO₂ emissions, and pollution. According to European Union research, textile consumption in the EU increased from an average of 17 kg per person in 2019 to 19 kg per person in 2022, enough to fill one large suitcase with new textiles. At the same time, around 12 kg of clothing per person is discarded every year across the EU.
Factories producing fast fashion garments often discharge harmful chemicals into rivers and seas, leading to biodiversity loss and damage to ecosystems. The carbon footprint of mass production further accelerates climate change. In addition, many consumers are unaware that the industry relies heavily on cheap labour and unsustainable mass production processes. This is why it is important to highlight the issue and raise awareness that clothing, often seen simply as a fashion choice, can also represent a serious environmental problem.
A discount for you, a loss for the Planet
Source: Canva
The term “Black Friday” first appeared in Philadelphia during the 1950s, when police officers used it to describe the chaos caused by shoppers flooding the streets after Thanksgiving, creating massive traffic jams and disorder. Later, Black Friday took on a new meaning and is now considered a multi-day shopping event during which retailers offer products at discounted prices.
As a result, Black Friday has become one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, significantly affecting both retailers and consumers. Looking at its negative side, we can see that this consumer-driven tradition is accompanied by increased waste and pollution. Waste generated during Black Friday can increase by as much as 25%, mainly due to excessive packaging and product returns. In the long term, it also promotes the idea of excessive consumption. This Black Friday, choose a more conscious way to shop and visit the Swap Fair at PMF Split.
Refresh your wardrobe at the PMF Swap Fair
One effective way to reduce textile waste and properly manage clothing we no longer wear is by shopping in second-hand stores and taking part in swap events. Swap events allow people to exchange clothing with others free of charge. By participating, we also support our local community, save money, and contribute to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
At the Swap Fair, which will take place on Black Friday, 28 November 2025, in the atrium of the Faculty of Science (PMF Split) from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., participants can bring up to five well-preserved items and receive up to five vouchers in return. The process is simple: the vouchers are used to collect other items available at the fair. Please remember to bring clean, undamaged clothing that you no longer need and are willing to exchange for other garments.
Come along, swap your clothes, refresh your wardrobe, and do something good for the planet at the same time!
