A Problem Called “Fast Furniture”

We all have heard of fast fashion. You know, being able to buy on-trend clothing quickly and at lower prices. We can find it everywhere. It is made in large quantities to meet the high demand for the newest fashion trends. It is instant gratification, usually more affordable. The thing is, easily attainable, cheap and trendy are not always the best option. Not for yourself, or for the environment. 

Too often we crave instant gratification. We want to be seen as trendy, we want to fit in. We see it in magazines and on TV and we have to have it! And when it is no longer in style, we move on to the next fashion trends. 

Here is the issue. Fast fashion is not only found in our wardrobes. It can also be found throughout our home. “Fast-furniture” involves producing and consuming interior design products and accessories rapidly, often using low-quality materials and manufacturing processes. This furniture is not meant to last for a long time and instead is usually discarded after only a few years. It is also quicker to break, and unfortunately harder to repair.

Now don’t get me wrong, I have also fallen victim to fast fashion, both in my wardrobe and in my home. It is a quick and easy way to get a pick-me-up when you can get something immediately. The difference for me now is that even though I may still occasionally shop from fast fashion, I shop sustainably more often.

Full disclosure, I tour through a Winners/Homesense weekly (sometimes twice a week, eek). I also do love IKEA for accent pieces. The difference between how I used to shop compared to how I shop now is that I take more time to think about what I am buying. I make sure it is a piece I will want to keep for a long time or that I can transition between seasons and rooms. I regularly check out the clearance section for anything that may have some imperfections but it is still perfectly good to use. I have found some great pieces in the clearance section. I call them “perfectly imperfect” I pay more attention to the materials used to make them. I am also willing to spend more on better quality because I know it will last. But, I will explain more about my shopping tips in a later post.

What we should consider when we are buying fast furniture in interior design:

1. Rapidly Changing Styles: With trends always changing, it encourages constant redecorating and purchasing new items. This is creating more consumption, which then leads to more waste.
2. Low-Quality Materials: In order to quickly produced products to keep up with the trends at an affordable and competitive price, inexpensive and low-quality materials are more often used. These materials may not be durable or sustainable, resulting in furniture and accessories that wear out quickly and need to be replaced frequently.
3. Mass Production: Fast furniture is often mass-produced, leading to environmental concerns. Large-scale manufacturing processes can have significant impacts on resource consumption, energy usage, and waste generation.
4. Lack of Individuality: Fast furniture encourages everyone to purchase the same thing, which decreases one’s individual expression. It prioritizes conformity and trend-following over unique and timeless design, therefore not allowing you to be your true self.
5. Disposable Mindset: Fast fashion in interior design encourages a disposable mindset, where items are easily discarded and replaced with new ones. This leads to increased waste generation and contributes to the growing problem of landfill overcrowding.

Am I saying to not buy fast fashion anymore? No, as much as I wish I could. But that is not quite feasible in today’s economic climate. Sometimes we need budget-friendly options, and fast fashion is everywhere and has a strong hold on us. All I am asking is that you think more carefully about what you are buying, choose more sustainable and ethical designs, and make sure you are still considering being your own self, not the same as someone else. Let’s make environmentally friendly and personal expression trends that are long-lasting and more easily attainable. How? Well, there will be more on that later.

Much love,

Jess