The True Cost – A Harrowing Wake-Up Call

Granted it may have been a tad belated, we took the time to sit down and immerse ourselves in the eye-opening documentary \”The True Cost\” (2015), masterfully directed by Andrew Morgan. This film delves deep into the fashion industry\’s profound impact on our world, shedding light on the concealed expenses of fast fashion. It\’s a journey that uncovers the ethical, environmental, and human rights quandaries that often evade our attention in our relentless pursuit of fashion.

The documentary opens with a poignant fact – in the 1960s, a staggering 90% of clothes were made in the U.S., but today, that figure has dwindled to a mere 3%, with the majority of production outsourced to developing nations.

\”The True Cost\” takes its audience on a global journey, spanning from the cotton fields of Texas to the garment factories of Bangladesh.

Through a series of interviews with an array of individuals – from factory workers and farmers to fashion designers and industry insiders – the film lays bare the grim truths of the fast fashion industry. It paints a stark picture of the exploitation of low-cost labour, the degradation of our environment, and the excessive waste that has become synonymous with the contemporary fashion world.

Safia Minney, the CEO of People Tree Ltd., astutely observes how fashion brands often embark on designing collections without contemplating the welfare of their suppliers or producers.

One of the documentary\’s most potent attributes is its capacity to humanise the individuals profoundly affected by the fashion industry\’s practices. It introduces us to workers grappling with meagre wages, such as those in Dhaka, a nexus of 5,000 garment factories where 85% of the workforce comprises women who earn a paltry $3 a day.

These individuals toil under hazardous conditions and are denied even the most basic labour rights. These personal stories are poignantly juxtaposed with interviews featuring executives from the fashion industry, highlighting the stark disparity between their opulent lifestyles and the suffering of those at the bottom of the supply chain.

The environmental consequences of fast fashion are another pivotal theme explored. The documentary vividly illustrates the pollution wrought by the fashion industry, including the release of toxic chemicals into water supplies and the colossal carbon footprint stemming from clothing production and transportation. The film serves as a stark reminder of the pressing necessity for more sustainable and ethical practices within the fashion sphere.

Over the last 16 years, more than 250,000 farmers in India have taken their own lives – an unsettling statistic that equates to one farmer every 30 minutes.

The Human Toll: \”The True Cost\” immerses viewers in impoverished communities in Bangladesh, where factory workers endure perilous conditions and receive wages barely sufficient for survival. Their personal stories are both heart-wrenching and impactful, underscoring the urgency of labor reform.

Environmental Impact: The documentary underscores the devastating environmental repercussions of fast fashion, including the excessive use of water and chemicals in cotton cultivation, as well as the mountains of discarded clothing piling up in landfills.

Fashion Industry Insiders: Through conversations with fashion industry insiders, the film exposes the gaping chasm between corporate profits and the real cost of inexpensive clothing. It prompts viewers to re-evaluate their shopping habits and contemplate the true cost of their purchases.

Sustainability Solutions: \”The True Cost\” doesn\’t just dwell on the issues; it also offers glimpses of hope. The documentary profiles companies and designers embracing sustainable and ethical practices, demonstrating that a more conscientious fashion industry is indeed viable.

In conclusion, \”The True Cost\” is a formidable and sobering documentary that unveils the shadows lurking within the fashion industry. It urges viewers to scrutinise their consumption patterns and advocates for a fashion system that is transparent and ethical. This film is an essential watch for anyone intrigued by the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and social justice. It serves as an awakening, beckoning us all to ponder the genuine price of the garments we buy.

As Lucy Siegle aptly puts it, \”Fast fashion isn\’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying.\” She also wisely reminds us to view the fashion landscape through an ecological lens, underscoring the importance of diversifying the industry to create resilience against the dominance of a few mega-brands.

We thoroughly recommend a watch.

Best wishes,

https://truecostmovie.com

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The True Cost - A Harrowing Wake-Up Call

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This film delves deep into the fashion industry's profound impact on our world, shedding light on the concealed expenses of fast fashion. It's a journey that uncovers the ethical, environmental, and human rights quandaries that often evade our attention in our relentless pursuit of fashion.

Author

Kerry Easter

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Our Little Wardrobe

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