Date of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Environmental Studies

Advisor(s)

Dr. John Van Buren

Abstract

Fast fashion, with its rapid production cycles and low-cost clothing, is significantly worsening the global waste crisis by driving overconsumption and excessive garment disposal. This thesis examines how fast fashion's business model contributes to the escalating problems of textile waste, microplastics, and chemical pollution, with a specific focus on Ghana. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the industry's impact on Ghana’s ecosystem services, supported by both quantitative and qualitative data. Chapter 2 offers a historical analysis of fast fashion, highlighting the evolution of consumer culture and the increasing emphasis on overconsumption driven by marketing strategies and the constant demand for new trends. Chapter 3 delves into the economic dimensions of fast fashion, exploring the financial challenges posed by waste management, the inefficiencies in current recycling practices, and how economic incentives continue to drive unsustainable consumption patterns. In Chapter 4, the thesis addresses the environmental and social justice issues related to fast fashion waste in Ghana, focusing on how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected. This chapter raises critical questions about equity and policy, analyzing the effectiveness and gaps in current regulations. The concluding chapter synthesizes insights from previous chapters to propose a set of policy recommendations tailored to Ghanaian contexts. These recommendations include advancing recycling technologies, promoting longer-lasting clothing designs, and fostering circular economy practices that encourage sustainable consumer habits and equitable waste management.

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