I've never minded the term aesthetic. But I do agree that fast fashion needs to be put to a stop, that it's ruining the true definition of cultures and subcultures such as goth, punk, grunge and even turning people's cultures into aesthetics which I think is entirely inappropriate for them to make a claim on.
I believe alt subcultures are so much more than a trend. I got into gothic music and even emo music, I've always liked both. When I was in middle school. I liked the music, the literature, dark things before I even found the fashion and fell in love with it.
I've always been an eco warrior, anti capitalist etc. And found that my true self was goth. I can like things that aren't goth. It doesn't make me less goth. But that's the difference between someone whose in a subculture and someone whose doing it for the trend.
I always say be who you are, truly and authentically. Don't hide behind what's trending.
I have no hate towards the word aesthetic itself. But I do see the harm in what capitalism has done using aesthetic culture.