Shein is an online clothing and product retailer based in China and Singapore. Shein manufactures clothing and other products, from household to makeup, for meager prices. Consumers are drawn to companies for their affordability and accessibility. Unknowingly attributing to the ethical and equitable problems Shein is committing.
How could the prices be that low?
The simple answer is exploitation and direct ignorance of human rights. Shein has been reported to utilize child labor. While also exploiting employees and breaking Chinese and European labor laws. Numerous journalism networks have investigated Shein and their labor practice, including The Swiss Dog, Channel 4, and Wired. Findings suggest Shein has employees working up to 75-hour long shifts in hazardous conditions. Furthermore, these workers manufacture these items in unsafe, even residential facilities where pay ranges from $17- $14 if garments have imperfections.
These unbelievable savings come at the cost of our environment.
Shein not only manufactures at the cost of the employees' human rights, but its manufacturing method is also causing irreparable environmental damage. Shein is reported to contribute to 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from Synthetics Anonymous 2.0. The dyes shein utilizes are also incredibly toxic when leaked into aquatic ecosystems. They are polluting the water supply and killing marine life. Millions of containers are lost in transit within naval deliveries, which is irrecoverable—sentenced to pollute the ocean floor. The waste from manufacturing, such as defective clothing and byproducts, litter the landfills. They were taking upwards of 20 years to decompose. It is not sustainable or ethical.
Infographic:Sebastien Onutali https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-shein-so-cheap-popular-faqs-sebastien-onutali-ewrpe/
We cannot undo what is done but can prevent further damage. Here’s what you can do.
Stop supporting Shein. Do not purchase their products. Please do not fall victim to their marketing schemes.
Do not engage with ads for Shein. Do not interact with social media content affiliated with Shein: Shein hauls, Shein reviews, and Shein Ads you see scrolling. Engagement on social media means monetization. The more money in the greedy hands of corporate Shein means more damage.
Spread the word! Encourage those you are close with to avoid Shein and shop sustainably.
Shein is the pinnacle of fast fashion. As a society, it is up to us to determine what we value more. Which is it: Affordable prices or Human rights and environmental protection?
Shein is the pinnacle of fast-fashion. As a society, it is up to us to determine what we value more. Which is it: Affordable prices or Human rights and environmental protection?
To learn more about the topic, please see the following articles and documentary.
Reference Articles: https://www.eco-stylist.com/environmental-impact-of-shein/ and https://time.com/6247732/shein-climate-change-labor-fashion/
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