The Serious Price We're Paying For 'Fast Fashion'

It’s no secret that Americans love to shop. But when it comes to buying cheap clothing, the environment may be paying the biggest price.

In our final episode of “Sustainable Self,” a HuffPost Originals series where we recommend small ways to reduce our impact on the environment, we take a look at clothing waste and “fast fashion.” The fast fashion industry creates a cycle in which cheap clothing is manufactured to increase overall demand. Sloppy manufacturing and dyeing practices pollute our waters, waste fossil fuels for transportation and exploit cheap laborers.

While not everyone has the luxury of buying more expensive clothing, there are things you should keep in mind to reduce your carbon footprint. In the video above, learn about eco-fashion, organic cotton and how long it takes for clothing to decompose.

The Huffington Post is partnering with Change.org to launch the Sustainable Self movement page, where viewers can create and join petitions based on the issues highlighted in each episode. Visit change.org/sustainableself to become part of the movement!