Your Voice: Fast fashion’s massive contribution to carbon emissions; free transport could make Hongkongers happier (long letters)

As the chairperson of the Ecology Club at my school, I believe that fast fashion significantly contributes to the problem of carbon emissions in the textile industry. I would like to explore potential solutions and discuss how different stakeholders can discourage the fast fashion trend.

A 2023 study conducted by the online platform LEED Initiative revealed that people purchase approximately 56 million tonnes of clothing each year. Unfortunately, fast fashion is responsible for generating vast amounts of unused fabric.

Notably, this industry thrives on overconsumption, characterised by quick turnover, high volume and low prices. The increasing purchasing power of consumers has sharply elevated the demand for clothes, but these garments are worn for shorter periods of time. This situation creates a vicious cycle where the industry is pressured to meet the constant desire for up-to-the-minute styles.

While concepts like sustainable and circular fashion are possible, they have not been widely implemented yet. Large fashion companies like GU and H&M say they have committed to working only with suppliers that adhere to certain social and environmental standards. They call for compliance throughout their supply chains and promote a cascade of sustainable practices. Although these ethical initiatives are commendable, they can be difficult to implement.

We must make fashion more sustainable

Companies and suppliers are concerned about a lack of support, especially for small textile firms. Suppliers often cannot access environmental programmes or obtain cost-effective, eco-friendly fabrics without sufficient government subsidies.

Fabric-oriented industries also contribute significantly to water waste. According to a video shared by the World Wide Fund, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 litres of water, equivalent to one person’s drinking water consumption for two and a half years.

As consumers, we have an obligation to boycott fast fashion. By doing so, we not only alleviate the burden on the clothing industry but also ensure that garment production is free from harmful chemicals.

There is a common misconception that sustainable fashion is expensive. In reality, investing in slow fashion items can save money in the long run, as well-made and timeless items can last for years without going out of style.

We can extend the life cycle of our clothes by reselling unwanted items to friends or donating to charity organisations. Whenever possible, we should seek out natural and organic fabrics with the proper certifications, as they have the least social and environmental impact.

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In the UK, support for a more eco-friendly industry is provided through the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan. It is a voluntary agreement that sets targets for reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and waste and has been effective.

In conclusion, while fast fashion may offer affordability and convenience, there is no denying its environmental impact. It is the clothing industry’s primary responsibility and objective to address this issue and cut down on textile waste.

When individuals take steps towards sustainable living, fast fashion will no longer be the norm, and a more eco-friendly lifestyle can be achieved.

Hannah Leung, HHCKLA Buddhist Leung Chik Wai College

After the Covid-19 pandemic, social and economic activities have returned to normal in Hong Kong. However, many still feel the pervasive sadness in society. One way to lighten the atmosphere is to provide free public transport to citizens on Sundays. There are many benefits to introducing such a scheme to Hong Kong and its people.

Free public transport, even just once a week, will improve people’s physical and mental health.

As we all know, living in a hectic city like Hong Kong, most people are busy with their work or academic studies from Monday to Friday and sometimes, even on Saturdays. Sunday is the only day off for them to relax by engaging in leisure activities with friends or family.

Free transport will encourage them to meet their loved ones, as some may live far apart. For example, a family of four living in Tai Po who wants to visit their relatives in Aberdeen could spend around HK$200 on transport, money which could otherwise be used for a decent breakfast or afternoon tea. This may seem trivial to most people, but it financially burdens the less privileged.

People with access to free and convenient means of transport are more likely to travel around the city and enhance their relationships.

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Furthermore, free transport will stimulate consumption and foster the city’s economic growth. It is well known that Hong Kong’s economy is not booming these days. People prefer to stay home rather than go out to avoid spending money on travel and shopping during the weekend. The government is already implementing various measures to encourage people to spend money on shopping and dining.

With the provision of free transport, we can encourage more people to leave their homes, meet their friends, and perhaps go shopping at large malls or supermarkets. This will benefit both large companies and retailers.

A thriving economy is crucial for the government, as it can lead to increased revenue, improved social amenities, and the establishment of tourist attractions. This can attract more visitors to Hong Kong, further boosting our economy.

Offering free transport on Sundays could also benefit the environment. Less pollution is created when more people use free public transport such as the MTR, buses, or trams instead of driving their cars. This can reduce carbon emissions since vehicles wouldn’t be producing as much exhaust.

Consequently, we can address the city’s air pollution problem, and people can enjoy better air quality. Moreover, air pollutants and dust particles decrease visibility and increase traffic accidents. With a reduction in the number of “Sunday drivers,” we can hope for fewer accidents.

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Offering free transport one day every week can create a better environment and improve our health. It can also improve relationships, as it could encourage Hongkongers to leave their homes and spend time with friends and family.

For the sake of our well-being and Hong Kong’s economy, I strongly suggest that the government offer free public transport on Sundays in the city.