IndexIntroductionThe exploitation of sweatshop workersUnsafe working conditionsPrioritizing profits over the well-being of workersExacerbating pollutionNeglecting environmental consequencesConsumer responsibility and the way forwardConclusionIntroductionThe fashion industry, known for its glamor and charm, hides a dark underbelly characterized by the exploitation of exploited workers and environmental degradation. This essay delves into the factors most responsible for the tragic deaths of sweatshop workers at Rana Plaza and the catastrophic chromium pollution in the Kanpur River. It argues that major fashion companies bear the greatest responsibility for these problems, as they oppress sweatshop workers, maintain unsafe working conditions, and exacerbate pollution in factories. This essay also highlights the urgent need for consumers to drive change in the industry by making informed choices that prioritize ethical practices. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Exploitation of Sweatshop Workers Major fashion companies often operate sweatshops where workers endure harsh conditions and exploitation. Despite claims that these companies create sustainable job opportunities for poor people, these positions lack official guarantees and benefits. As Andrew Morgan points out in “The True Cost,” because these companies do not officially employ workers, they shirk responsibility for their well-being. This allows brands like H&M to overwork and underpay their unauthorized employees, even employing children as young as 14 years old for more than 12 hours a day. Such practices clearly violate article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which establishes the right to rest and leisure. These companies, therefore, exploit workers illegally and deceptively exploit their resources. Furthermore, the exploitation of exploited workers goes beyond child labor and excessively long hours. These workers often face dangerous working conditions with limited or no access to adequate safety measures. In many cases, they are forced to work in cramped spaces with inadequate ventilation and safety equipment, putting their health and wellbeing at risk. This not only violates their basic human rights, but also puts their lives in danger on a daily basis. Unsafe Working Conditions While garment factories have a responsibility to ensure worker safety, they are also victims of financial oppression by large corporations. Dhaka garment factory owner Arif Jebtik complains in "The True Cost" that he is oppressed every day by big corporations, forcing him to oppress his workers. This financial constraint leaves factories unable to make necessary safety improvements, leading to disregard for crucial safety measures. The tragic Rana Plaza factory collapse, which claimed the lives of over a thousand people, was the result of insufficient financial support from major fashion brands. Although companies like H&M have promised to improve workers' conditions, they have deliberately delayed their actions. Rachel Abrams reveals in her article that progress in improving factory conditions has been slow and that companies continue to take advantage of unfair and dangerous labor practices. Furthermore, the pursuit of cost-cutting measures by major fashion companies often leads tofactories to operate in sub-standard buildings and facilities. environments. These factories, forced to meet tight production deadlines and cost targets set by fashion giants, have no choice but to compromise on worker safety. The consequences are catastrophic, as demonstrated by the Rana Plaza tragedy, which serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of the fashion industry's relentless pursuit of profit. Prioritize profits over the well-being of sweatshop workers. DavideWilson argues in "Who Really Benefits From Sweatshops" that if these companies reduced marketing expenses, they could allocate funds to double workers' wages and ensure safe working conditions. This shows that these companies have the means to improve workers' conditions but opt ​​for profit maximization through advertising. In essence, they treat human lives as replaceable goods. The relentless drive for profit is not limited to just the mistreatment of workers. It also extends to the impact on the environment. Major fashion brands use various strategies to increase sales, from celebrity endorsements to aggressive advertising campaigns. While these marketing tactics undoubtedly increase sales, they draw attention away from the ethical and environmental consequences of fast fashion. The insatiable demand for new clothing, with some companies boasting 52 seasons a year, forces factories to produce more and more using harmful and destructive chemicals. Kanpur, known for producing cheap leather, has seen its environment suffer from chromium contamination due to increased demand from major brands. This situation highlights the negative consequences resulting from the demands of these companies, as they maximize profits without considering the environmental cost. The relentless pursuit of fast fashion creates a vicious cycle of environmental degradation. Manufacturers are forced to produce clothing at an unprecedented rate, leading to overuse of resources and the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. These practices not only damage ecosystems, but also jeopardize the health and well-being of communities living near these factories. Major fashion companies are not only complicit in this environmental degradation, they are often directly responsible for it. Neglecting environmental consequences Fashion companies do not take into account the environmental consequences of their production processes. In “The True Cost,” Mike Schragger points out that many resources used in clothing production, such as water, are not factored into production costs. This neglect has detrimental effects on local communities living near the factories, who suffer from both the factories' negative output and the absence of advanced filtration equipment. Workers in these factories remain unaware of the damage caused by pollution, ultimately bearing the brunt of its consequences. The environmental consequences of fast fashion are far-reaching and have global implications. Textile production requires large amounts of water, and the release of untreated wastewater into rivers and oceans contributes to water pollution. Furthermore, the fashion industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on energy-intensive processes, transportation and the disposal of textiles in landfills. These environmental impacts are not limited to the regions where clothing is produced, but have a cascading effect on ecosystems and communities around the world. Consumer responsibility and so on.