OPL BOOK SUMMARY:  Fashionopolis is a deep tour of fast fashion and why it matters. The first part of Dana Thomas’ enlightening book is shocking and takes your breath away. It describes the fashion industry like a Vegas casino, with shoppers today buying five times more clothing than they did in 1980. “You spend freely, recklessly even, and though you’ve probably been rooked, you feel like you’ve won.” The ray of hope comes as Dana shares that we can collectively fight back against the fast fashion machine. 

Fast Fashion happened fast. 

• “Up until the late 1970s, the United States produced at least 70 percent of the apparel that Americans purchased. By 2012, it was down to 2.5%.”

The fallout has been severe. 

• “Between 1990 and 2012, the US textile and garment industry lost 1.2 million jobs. (75% of that sector’s labor force.)”
• “Fast fashion employs 1 out of 6 people on the globe, making it the most labor-intensive industry out there – more than agriculture; more than defense. Fewer than 2% of them earn a living wage.”  
• “The World Bank estimates that the sector is responsible for nearly 20% of water pollution annually.”

We hope you take the time to read this thoughtful, informative book. It could change the way you see your closet and your choices. 

Available used at BetterWorldBooks.