Why You Should Not Shop at Temu: Exposing the Dark Side of This Mega Online Retailer
Reasons to Not Shop at Temu
The increasingly popular app Temu has become the most downloaded app in America, revolutionizing the landscape of affordable online shopping. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of this Chinese-operated company's rapid expansion and its contribution to the already significant issue of fast fashion and home goods. As consumers become more aware of the importance of sustainability, it's essential to consider the implications of supporting such businesses. Let's take a closer look at why some people are choosing to avoid this online shop and why you might want to do the same.
What is Temu?
Temu is a rapidly expanding platform in the United States, with its headquarters located in Boston, Massachusetts. The platform is managed by the Chinese e-commerce giant PDD Holdings. Launched in September 2022, the app gained significant traction and, by the summer of 2023, it had amassed over 130 million downloads, outpacing both Amazon and Shein. Temu has gained recognition for its extensive range of products, including kitchen gadgets and t-shirts, all of which are available at substantial discounts. The platform has adopted the tagline "shop like a billionaire" to emphasize its commitment to providing high-value shopping experiences.
Why We Avoid Temu
Lack of Transparency
Temu does not disclose any information on its labor practices. We don’t know if the people making these goods are being treated fairly, but it’s safe to assume with price points as low as they offer, it is very difficult to pay a living wage.
Environmental Concerns
When you conduct a quick search for a ‘sundress,’ you'll find an overwhelming number of options available at remarkably low prices. While the specific materials used may not always be readily apparent, it seems that the majority of these clothing items are made from synthetic fabrics, particularly polyester. These synthetic fabrics are derived from petroleum, essentially making them a form of plastic. The production of synthetic fabrics has negative implications for the environment, and these materials take hundreds of years to decompose.
Customer Service Complaints
Temu currently holds a C+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Upon reviewing their customer complaints, it becomes evident that there are numerous issues reported, ranging from shipping problems to concerns about the quality of their products.
Health & Safety Concerns
Due to Temu's consistent lack of accountability in ensuring product safety, it is advisable to prioritize caution and favor companies, particularly those based in the US, that adhere to more stringent regulations. Additionally, Temu's parent company, Pinduoduo, has been embroiled in multiple privacy scandals over the past few decades, further raising concerns about their business practices.
Pushes Consumerism
The relentless bombardment of advertisements, the pervasive presence of steep discounts, and the incessant introduction of new products on Temu's platform are all fueling our society's issue of excessive consumption. This constant barrage fosters the notion that material possessions are the key to happiness. Despite the fact that the majority of us have no genuine need for anything offered on the site, Temu's marketing strategies have successfully persuaded us otherwise.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion refers to brands that produce high volumes of clothing throughout the year. hese brands have revolutionized the fashion industry by making clothes available at a fraction of their previous cost, allowing consumers to quickly and affordably update their wardrobes.
However, the rapid production and overconsumption of cheaply-made clothes have led to a significant increase in textile waste, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. This trend is also associated with social issues, including human rights violations, which cannot be overlooked.
As responsible consumers, it is crucial to reconsider our support for this industry. We should actively avoid fast fashion brands and instead, opt to support sustainable clothing brands and embrace the practice of shopping for secondhand items while also appreciating and utilizing what we already own.
Interested in learning more about Fast Fashion Brands and Why You Should Avoid them? CLICK HERE
While we highly suggest you use and take care of the things you currently own, if you do want to shop for something new, please check out our approved brands here.