The Ethical and Sustainability Concerns of Temu and Shein

In the world of fast fashion, Temu and Shein have become household names, known for their incredibly low prices and vast selection of trendy items. However, these two giants face significant criticism for practices that raise ethical and sustainability concerns. Temu's slogan "Shop Like a Billionaire" and their prominent advertising during the Super Bowl highlights the immense financial sway these fast fashion titans have, leaving behind a wake of harm that disproportionately benefits a privileged few while inflicting damage to both people and the planet. This blog post delves into why you should absolutely avoid Temu and Shein. 

1. Intellectual Property Theft

One of the most frequent criticisms of Shein and Temu involves allegations of stealing designs from small businesses and independent artists. Numerous reports and lawsuits suggest that these companies copy designs without permission, selling them at a fraction of the price. This not only harms the original creators financially but also undermines the value of original design work. The ability to quickly replicate and massively distribute these designs makes it difficult for small designers to compete, stifling creativity and innovation in the fashion industry.

2. Environmental Impact

The business model of fast fashion inherently promotes overconsumption by offering cheap, trend-focused items meant for short-term use. This leads to massive waste as products are quickly discarded and end up in landfills, incinerated or shipped to developing nations. Both Temu and Shein contribute to this problem by encouraging consumers to buy more than they need, without regard to the environmental cost.

The production processes involved are also resource-intensive, consuming large amounts of water and chemicals, which further exacerbates their environmental footprint. It's estimated that the fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide, with around 20% of global industrial water pollution attributed to textile dyeing and treatment alone. Not to mention, the use of cheaper, more polluting materials like polyester. Time Magazine stated Shein's "rapid use of virgin polyester and large consumption of oil churns out the same amount of CO2 as approximately 180 coal-fired power plants." This just goes to show a blatant disregard for the environment in the operational practices of these fast fashion giants.

Read Synthetics Anonymous' 2.0 report published on fashion sustainability.

3. Unsustainable Business Practices

The competitive pricing strategy of Temu and Shein, while popular among consumers, raises questions about sustainability. Selling products at such low prices often means cutting corners on quality and ethical standards. When items are priced SO low, both people and the planet are paying for it. This includes underpaying workers and extended working hours (75+ hours/week), compromising on worker's safety with machinery, the use of chemicals, and lack of windows or emergency exits. Such practices provide short-term fiscal gains for only the lucky few and are unsustainable, both ethically and environmentally.

4. Consumer Deception

Both platforms have faced accusations of misleading consumers regarding the quality and origin of their products. There have been instances where products received by consumers did not match the descriptions or images seen online, leading to disappointment and mistrust. Not to mention, poor materials and rushed manufacturing generally leads to poor quality and ultimately, more waste all around. Moreover, the lack of transparency about product sourcing and manufacturing processes makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices, potentially misleading them about the ethical and environmental implications of their purchases.

5. Forced Labor and Poor Working Conditions

Both Temu and Shein have been scrutinized for their labor practices, particularly the use of forced labor in their supply chains. Investigations have raised concerns about the working conditions in factories producing goods for these platforms, especially in regions like Xinjiang, where forced labor practices have been widely documented. The "documentary, Inside The Shein Machine, sent undercover cameras to film factory workers who were forced to pull 17-hour shifts to make hundreds of garments a day. In one factory, they made a daily base salary of $20, which would then be docked by $14 if any garments had mistakes." [Time Magazine]. The U.S. government has taken steps to block imports believed to be produced with forced labor under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, targeting companies like Temu and Shein for their compliance failures.

Several fast fashion brands beyond Shein and Temu have been implicated in controversies involving forced labor practices. Notably, prominent names like Nike and Adidas have faced scrutiny for their connections to regions known for human rights abuses, particularly in their cotton supply chains in Xinjiang. German retailers such as C&A, Lidl, and Hugo Boss have also been accused by human rights groups of benefiting from forced Uyghur labor in their supply chains. These accusations emphasize the broader issues within the fast fashion industry regarding the ethical sourcing of materials and the need for greater transparency and accountability in supply chain management.

To avoid purchasing products made with forced labor or under poor working conditions, start by researching brands to understand their labor practices and look for transparency in their supply chains. Opt for products with certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS certified or OEKO-TEX® for textiles or B Corporation, which ensure ethical labor practices. Prioritize supporting brands known for their commitment to social responsibility. Utilize tools like Good On You or Ethical Consumer to get insights into brands' ethical standards. Advocate for transparency by supporting regulations that require companies to disclose their manufacturing processes. Lastly, spread awareness about the importance of ethical consumption to influence others in your network. These actions can help you make informed choices that support fair labor practices globally.

Conclusion

While Temu and Shein offer the allure of fashionable items at low prices, the underlying issues associated with their business models pose serious ethical and sustainability concerns. Both Shein and Temu epitomize the detrimental aspects of fast fashion, promoting a culture of disposable clothing that harms both people and the planet. Their rapid production cycles contribute to environmental degradation through pollution and waste, while their reliance on cheap labor often involves exploitative working conditions and minimal wages in overseas factories. Moreover, the lack of transparency regarding their supply chains and manufacturing processes raises concerns about ethical sourcing and accountability.

By perpetuating these practices, Shein and Temu not only compromise the well-being of workers but also drive unsustainable consumption patterns that exacerbate climate change and environmental degradation. Avoiding these brands is crucial for promoting social justice, protecting worker rights, and mitigating the harmful impact of fast fashion on our Mother Earth.