Stacey Dooley, like many others, enjoys shopping for fashion as a way to relax and unwind. However, the rise of fast fashion has made shopping even more addictive, with people constantly buying new clothes to keep up with the latest trends. This has led to a damaging impact on the environment, as explored in Stacey’s documentary, Fashion’s Dirty Secrets. The fashion industry is now considered one of the top five most-polluting industries in the world. Cotton, the most used fiber in clothing, contributes to this pollution through the use of pesticides, toxic dyes, and excessive water consumption. Stacey witnesses the devastating effects of cotton production in Kazakhstan, where the Aral Sea has dried up due to water diversion for cotton farms. Chemical waste from garment manufacturing is also a major issue, with toxic chemicals being released into waterways in countries like Indonesia. While some fashion brands are working on eco-friendly solutions, large-scale change is difficult due to the decentralized nature of the industry. Government regulation and consumer awareness are needed to address the environmental impact of fast fashion. Stacey hopes to change people’s attitudes towards fashion consumption and encourage them to be more conscious of the environment. The true cost of cheap clothing is not just the price paid at the store, but the environmental damage caused by its production. Urgent action is needed to address this issue before it’s too late.