The rise in online shopping during COVID-19 has led to a rise in the number of users of second-hand clothing resale apps such as Depop and Poshmark. These platforms are not only helping people avoid buying new clothes, but also helping the environment by promoting sustainability.
Thrift shopping became a popular hobby during this time, as a strong desire for environmental wellness resonated with Gen Z. Interest in fashion continues to soar as creators establish platforms on social media apps like TikTok, with trends still sweeping the apps every day, some of which are definitely impacting the fashion industry.
A popular trend was the mass sale of clothing by fast fashion brands like Shein, which mass produces cheap clothing using questionable practices that may violate child labor laws. Not only does the company compromise its moral ethics, but it also blatantly ignores environmental standards. A Time magazine article titled “Shein is the world’s most popular fashion brand, but it’s costing us all dearly” details Shein’s true impact on the environment. In the article, author Astha Rajvanshi writes that the brand “emits approximately 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.”
The Eisenberg Sustainability Club is a relatively new organization on campus that provides a space for students interested in promoting sustainability within companies. Club president Amrita Chivkula emphasized the importance of knowing where your clothes come from and researching the companies you buy from. Many fast fashion consumers don’t research the brands they buy from, which can have a negative impact on the integration of sustainability practices.
“Knowing how and where your clothes or jewelry or anything you own came from is key to raising awareness of every other step in the process. [of achieving sustainability]” said Chibukula.
Secondhand clothing apps help people buy less from fast fashion businesses, as they create more environmentally friendly alternatives. While some may think that the online portion of these apps still contributes to emissions, Depop has made considerable efforts to limit its emissions.
Depop’s newsroom states that “In 2023, Etsy Inc., as a house of brands, reduced absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 12% and scope 3 emissions on an intensity basis by 22% compared to a 2020 baseline. ” Scope 1 and 2 emissions are directly linked to the company or facility where the emissions originate, while scope 3 emissions are indirect and come from sources outside the company’s control.
Students for Sustainable Fashion and Art (SSFA) is a student-led organization on campus that aims to educate students about sustainable fashion and art, as well as provide affordable second-hand clothing and eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items. Marketing Director Angelina Oliveira spoke about overconsumption through fast fashion and the environmental benefits of buying second-hand.
” [Depop’s emissions] “The environmental impact of fast fashion sites is far less than the impact of shipping alone, so the benefits outweigh the drawbacks,” Oliveira said.
Similar to Depop, SSFA has created a large community full of people who want to buy fashionable clothes while helping the environment.
“I started SSFA because I wanted to bridge the gap between artistic expression and environmental awareness,” Oliveira said.
SSFA has made great efforts to promote secondhand clothing by hosting pop-up events on campus and giving students a place to buy secondhand clothing nearby. Many students, especially at university, turn to online shopping for its convenience. However, even one student can make a positive difference by checking out a secondhand clothing app or searching for on-campus events such as pop-ups.
“A lot of people are unaware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and the terrible working conditions that factories impose on their workers,” Oliveira says. “I think that if more attention was paid to the evil of these companies, we would see more people flocking to Depop and sites like it.”
The impact of one person on a group of people creates a domino effect, resulting in more people having access to sustainable alternatives. As more people become immersed in the world of sustainable fashion, it’s important to know that even small things can make a big difference.
“If you’re buying second-hand, it’s better than buying from a website because it saves it from potential landfill and gives it a new life,” Oliveira said.
Secondhand fashion and recycled goods will continue to grow in popularity, but these trends should not distract consumers from the fact that there should be sustainable alternatives.
“We are the future, so we have to make an effort to educate ourselves,” Chibukura said. “Support local businesses!”
Amalie Harper can be contacted at [email protected].
