shein

fast to trash fashion: For those who don't know, shein is a popular fast fashion brand that releases around 2,000 designs on to their platform everyday. It was reported that each item is produced 50-100 times per day and from there, it's based on demand. As a result of this production, tons of CO2 have been released- which is detrimental to the environment. The amount SHEIN is responsible for releasing is equivalent to the amount 180 power plants release. After public outrage due to the company being exposed for their large contribution to carbon emissions, they made it public information that SHEIN would work towards reducing emissions. Below is a statement that can be found on their website.

Work Environment: After an investigation by channel 4, it became public information that SHEIN employees were working 13-18 hour days with one day off each month. This is problematic as not only were they working for all but 6 hours of the day, they were also getting paid $572 dollars a month. On average, the worker is getting paid about 19 dollars for an entire day of work; hourly wage being one dollar. Which is not taking account for the money they would dock from pay because of mistakes made when producing the clothing. This is not a livable wage in this economy due to inflation- to put this into perspective, minimum wage in michigan was raised to $10.10.

It is completely normal to want to keep up with trends as long as you are being responsible as a consumer. It becomes problematic when you purchase clothing from sites such as SHEIN, especially when you are aware of the work environment and how the workers are being treated. Instead, try shopping second hand or locally! This way you are reducing waste and supporting your community.