Future Tech Lab

This Valentine's day, whether you're settled with a significant other, swiping on dating apps, or single in sweatpants, you're probably going to post about it on social media. If you plan on posing with your boyfriend, best friends, or box of chocolates you'll need a perfectly Instagram-able outfit. On a graduate student budget, fast-fashion retailers like H&M, Forever21, and Topshop are the go-to for recreating the looks of fashion accounts at a low price. However, it turns out that the small price tag on cheaply made garments comes with a huge environmental cost.