Read Before You Return
How holiday returns tie into the environmental impacts of fast fashion
At Feel Good Action, we believe in the power of social media to drive real world impact. Each week, we highlight an issue and give our subscribers a tangible call to action. If you’ve been looking for a place to get involved – we’re your one stop shop. Join the movement by subscribing today! Nothing is behind a paywall – paid subscriptions directly support Feel Good Action!
It’s Boxing Day! December 26th is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Retailers attempt to lure customers for one last purchase with end of year sales. Customers chase bargains, cash in the gift cards they received for the holidays, and make returns/exchanges.
But before you hit the mall to return that cringe sweater your aunt got you, we need to talk about how this last shopping frenzy of the year plays into fast fashion – and the environmental impacts.
What is Fast Fashion?
“Fast fashion” refers to clothing made with cheap materials for a low cost, often following the latest trends (but at a major discount). Common fast fashion brands today include Zara, Shein, UNIQLO, Temu, and H&M. These brands replicate runway looks cheaply and mass produce them for consumers – resulting in large quantities of garments that often quickly go out of style, sitting in the back of your closet until you finally cave and toss it in the donation bin. These clothes, accessories, and shoes are also often made with cheap materials, resulting in tears and holes more quickly – and ending up in the trash after a single wear or wash.
The Environmental Impact
The fashion industry accounts for as much as 10% of global carbon emissions – that’s more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Production is also water intensive – it takes around 2,000 gallons of water to make a typical pair of jeans (Textile dyeing is also the second largest polluter of water globally). Finally, there’s the human cost – the textile industry is notorious for using underpaid workers and exposing them to hazardous conditions. Shein has been accused of using slave labor in China to mass produce its products as cheaply as possible, resulting in global outrage. The company has also admitted to finding child laborers in its factories, and workers told BBC reporters they’re expected to work 10-12 hour shifts, with only one day off per month.
But the environmental impacts don’t end with a garment’s production. In order to keep these items cheap for consumers, brands use synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon and acrylic which can take centuries to biodegrade. In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) found that as much as 35% of all ocean microplastics come from the laundering of synthetic textiles. Yes, laundering – as in just washing these fabrics. That’s before these garments even reach a landfill. (Not to mention the environmental - and bodily - harm that most toxic laundry products cause)
According to The True Cost, the world consumes 400% more new clothing each year than twenty years ago – which means far more textile waste. On average, each American is responsible for 82 pounds of textile waste per year.
“But wait,” you say, “I donate my old clothing!” The problem is, with so many clothes being produced, your local Good Will is only taking the best of the best. On average, 75% of donated clothes are deemed “undesirable.” From there, the garments are shipped to developing nations overseas… except they’re overwhelmed by the volume as much as we are. From there, your donated sweater ends up in a landfill abroad or burned.
Fast Fashion and Your Holiday Returns
Okay, we’ve all been there. There’s no way you will ever wear that horrible sweater your aunt bought you. Or maybe your grandma forgot that in the past year you’ve grown and you no longer fit into the size socks she gave you. That’s why retailers have returns in the first place – sometimes you really do need to.
Per the BBC, Americans return an average 3.5 billion products per year – but only 20% are actually defective. And once those returns make it back to the retailer? Less than half (and sometimes as low as 20%) are actually resold. Those brand new shoes that were just a size too small? They’re going to a landfill. This is because for many retailers, it’s cheaper to simply send you a new item and eat the cost of the original than to manage the logistics of accepting, repackaging, and reselling the return.
The Solutions:
One of the core pillars of Feel Good Action’s mission is to promote a healthy planet – so here are the ways we can fight to combat the environmental impacts of fast fashion.
Try to avoid returns: We’ve all been there – that dress on Amazon looks so cute, but isn’t your usual style. “I’ll just order it to try it on,” you say, “I can always return it.” Instead, see if you can find a similar piece locally – even if it’s just to try it on.
Avoid fast fashion brands: We get it – a bargain is a bargain. We’re not saying to never shop at H&M again, but do so with discretion. If you’re looking for alternative cheap shopping options, try your local thrift store!
Recycle old clothing responsibly: Gently used clothing can often be passed on, either by donating, selling, or through a clothing swap (where people all bring clothing items to contribute and “swap” items with each other). If it’s unwearable? You still have options! A torn t-shirt can be repurposed into a dish rag. Feeling artsy? Stitch old garments into a throw blanket or use in other crafts. Or, you can recycle the items – here’s a list of recycling options.
Regift it: There’s likely someone in your life who would like that pair of shoes that didn’t fit or the dress that’s not your style. Does a friend have a birthday coming up? Try regifting!
Spread awareness about solutions for returns: Companies like Optoro hope to help retailers better manage their returns (and their environmental impact) via software solutions that help manufacturers resell unsold and excess items more easily. They estimate their work helps reduce landfill waste by 70%
All of us have an environmental impact – but together, we can work to reduce our footprint. The first step is learning about issues like fast fashion and the pollution caused. Have a friend who loves to shop? Share this article with them!
One Last Ask:
We created this Substack to keep you informed and share resources for you to make a real world impact. We are a nonprofit – which is why we don’t paywall content, ever. As we go into 2026 we need your help to maximize our impact. Here are three ways you can help us – we hope you take at least one.
Level up by becoming a paid subscriber. FGA is a nonprofit, and your contribution directly supports our work. At just $6 per month or $50 per year, we cost less than a peppermint latte!
Tap in a friend by sharing this article in the group chat;
Give us a boost by commenting on this post! Your engagement helps expand our reach in the algorithm!
Thank you all! We hope you have a wonderful weekend.
–FGA