As some people pointed out, the predicament we are in is a product of socioeconomic conditions. Consumers are naturally inclined to purchase goods for the best value-for-money. It affects everything in the supply chain down to the lifestyle of that farmer.

What's been interesting to note is the reverse-shift in the garment industry where some retailers have been going back to first-world states to produce their clothing - especially with the rising cost of production in China for example. These are pursued by less mainstream and upcoming retailers but the established giants are still chasing the higher margin on their orders to essentially reach their targets and satisfy investor demands. This is in an environment of cut-throat competition. So while one side of the spectrum goes ethical, the other more influential side is still moving their business to states with a competitive advantage now such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, and recently Burma which has seen an explosion of growth in the garment industry.

At the end of the day, it comes down to cost and what you can get for that dollar. This is then reflected onto the behaviour of the major brand retailers where they are also chasing value-for-money.

I'd say educate people to pay higher price for clothing to reputable ethical retailers and make it tax free or something, or shop at second-hand stores forget fast fashion and trend, recycle old clothing, or just buy less. Donation doesn't do much to developing countries and really takes on a lot of resources to get it washed, sorted, shipped and packaged. Japan for example, has a great scene with 2nd hand thrift stores and recycled clothing as many youngsters shop there. Patagonia's is really quite supportive of this idea as they advocate less consumerism, encouraging people to buy less and focus on the quality of a purchase.

I honestly think that there really needs to be some sort of innovation for clothing to be somehow reused or recycled into commercial production that is cheap and enviro-friendly. This should supported by governments as I don't see this problem going away in the next decade and the world is only getting hotter!!