What’s the Real Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion?
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 06-09-2025
Fast fashion promises cheap, trendy clothes delivered fast.
But behind the low prices is a massive hidden cost: to workers, to ecosystems, and to the planet.
In the apparel world, fast fashion is responsible for enormous water waste, chemical pollution, and carbon emissions. Some estimates say the industry accounts for 10% of global carbon output—more than international flights and shipping combined.
And that doesn’t even touch the waste. Millions of tons of clothing are discarded every year, often after just a handful of wears.
At FCE, we believe custom merch should be part of the solution, not the problem. That means choosing better materials, printing thoughtfully, and encouraging long-term use over disposable trends.
A single well-made hoodie that someone wears for years is a better environmental investment than ten cheap tees that end up in landfills within months.
Merch has power. It can either contribute to the cycle—or break it.
And brands that are willing to slow down, think longer, and create with care will be the ones leading a better future.