Have you fallen victim to the fast fashion industry? The continuous change in the fashion industry and the fast pace in which it evolves makes it hard for students to stay ‘in trend’. The convenience that fast-fashion offers makes it easier for students to access ‘trendy’ clothes for a cheap price. However, the sustainable impacts of fast fashion are not being spoken about enough and sustainable shopping methods are being ignored. Students should start to make themselves aware that their shopping habits are costing the earth.
Fast fashion brands are slowly starting to dominate high streets. The cheap and easy access nature that fast fashion offers is making it a more attractive option for students as they can access ‘trendy’ clothing quickly. However, are you aware of the impacts that fast fashion Is having on the environment?
The prevalence of fast fashion consumption is inevitably going to emerge as a favoured choice among budget-conscious students however, students are shopping from these brands with little knowledge on the bigger issue. It has been reported that If this level of fashion consumption continues, carbon emissions will rise by almost 50% in 10 years. The worryingly high statistic should shock people into changing their shopping habits and to start taking sustainability seriously.
Student Experiences
Statistics from a conducted study found that 58% of students are unaware of the environmental impacts of fast fashion. This ultimately makes it more difficult to encourage the interaction with sustainable apps such as Vinted or Depop as well as provide education around the issue. Students are falling victim to the low prices and are actively being forced to consume fast fashion due to the domination these brands have over the high streets.
In this dynamic world of fast fashion, brands are heavily investing their money into advertising and marketing campaigns to showcase their products. The low prices and constant exposure to these brands generate a sense of urgency and desire to consume the products being promoted. A 2021 report found that high-street favourite H&M spent $25 million on their online advertising campaign, which solidifies their position as one of the leading brands with a robust online presence.
Whilst students may try to make more ethical decisions by shopping more sustainably, the attraction of cheap prices will always win. Sustainable shopping is typically more expensive, with 64% of students reporting that they cannot afford ‘sustainable items’ due to living on a budget.
What can you do to help ?
Whilst sustainable shopping may not be the most attractive option to students, the process is a lot cheaper and easier than you would expect. With the promotion of apps such as Vinted and Depop, it is becoming easier to access sustainable clothing for a cheap price.
It is important to try and introduce sustainable habits as they will slowly become unconscious decisions that we make every day. Small steps such as:
These easy sustainable steps that you can take will begin to have a big impact on your everyday lives. They are simple and cheap to introduce into your routine as well as help you live more sustainably as a student.
Purchasing clothes from charity shops is one of the most popular alternatives to fast fashion stores. The shops are easy to access as they can be found on most highstreets.
Vinted.
The second-hand clothing app Vinted is one of the most popular online platforms for sustainable clothes shopping, with over 30 million downloads worldwide. (hyperlink) The app allows users to buy and sell used clothes for cheap prices. You can get pretty much anything on Vinted for very affordable prices.
Vinted has recently introduced a system which will check the authenticity of a product. This is carried out when a user wants to upload a designer item for sale. This system has generated high levels of sales in the last few months due to the reassurance it provides for buyers, who are interested in designer items.
Image credit: Screen Grab, Vinted Website.
Engaging with second hand clothing apps is a small habit you can incorporate into your life which will have a big impact. As a student myself, I understand that it is hard to introduce new habits while balancing coursework and University life, however, why not try introducing it as a hobby? Using second hand clothing apps has the potential to be a successful side hustle that can be both sustainable and enjoyable.
