Fast Fashion (Intermediate)

Possible new words to use:

• Sustainable (adjective): Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without causing harm to the environment, society, or economy.

• Ethical (adjective): Conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morals, especially in terms of fair and honest dealings.

• Ecosystem (noun): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, forming a complex web of relationships.

• Exploitation (noun): The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work or efforts.

• Disposable (adjective): Designed to be thrown away after use, typically contributing to a throwaway culture.

• Sustainability (noun): The ability to be maintained or continued over the long term without depleting natural resources or causing environmental damage.

• Textile (noun): Any material, especially one composed of interlacing fibers, suitable for making into cloth.

• Upcycling (verb): The process of transforming old or discarded materials into something useful and often aesthetically pleasing.

• Consumerism (noun): The preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods, often in large quantities.

• Throwaway Culture (noun): A society that encourages the disposal of products after a short period of use, contributing to environmental waste.

• Transparency (noun): The quality of being easily understood or perceived, often referring to open and honest business practices.

• Accountability (noun): The state of being responsible or answerable for one's actions or decisions.

• Exclusivity (noun): The quality of being limited or restricted to a specific group, often implying a sense of prestige or uniqueness.

• Overconsumption (noun): The excessive use or purchase of goods and services, often leading to environmental and social issues.

• Landfill (noun): A large area of land where waste is deposited, typically buried and covered with soil, contributing to environmental pollution.

Questions:

1. What defines fast fashion, and how does it differ from traditional or slow fashion?

2. Can you name some well-known fast fashion brands, and do you think they prioritize environmental sustainability?

3. How does fast fashion contribute to environmental issues, and what are its effects on ecosystems?

4. What are the economic advantages and disadvantages of the fast fashion industry for both consumers and producers?

5. Why do some individuals prefer sustainable or slow fashion brands over fast fashion, and how might this choice impact the fashion industry?

6. How often do you purchase new clothes, and do you consider the environmental impact of your fashion choices?

7. In your opinion, why do fast fashion brands produce clothes so rapidly and inexpensively, and what are the consequences of this approach?

8. Have you ever participated in clothing swaps or purchased second-hand clothing? What motivated your choice?

9. What changes would you like to see in the fashion industry to minimize its negative impact on the environment?

10. Do you believe consumers should be more aware of the ethical practices of the fashion brands they support? Why or why not?