Apps for reselling used clothing, including Depop and Poshmark, have witnessed a rise in user activity since COVID-19 sparked a spike in online buying. These platforms promote sustainability, which benefits the environment by discouraging individuals from purchasing new clothes, reported Massachusetts Daily Collegian.
During this period, thrifting gained popularity as Gen Z became increasingly concerned about the environment's health. As creators found outlets on social media applications like TikTok, interest in fashion continued to grow quickly. Every day, new trends emerge on the app, some of which have a noticeable impact on the fashion business.
The massive loads of apparel from fast-fashion retailers like Shein became a trend. Shein uses dubious methods that might violate child labor regulations to mass-produce inexpensive apparel. The business not only contorts morality but also openly disobeys environmental regulations. The real impact of Shein on the environment is expounded upon in an article published in Time Magazine under the title "Shein Is the World's Most Popular Fashion Brand—at a Huge Cost to Us All." According to author Astha Rajvanshi, the brand leaves behind almost "6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide a year."
Students who are interested in encouraging sustainability in enterprises might get involved with the relatively new Isenberg Sustainability Club on campus. Amritha Chivukula, the head of the club, stressed the significance of researching the companies you purchase from and understanding the origin of your apparel. Fast fashion buyers seldom investigate the brands they buy from, which might be harmful to the incorporation of sustainability practices.
"Developing awareness to all the other steps in the process [of achieving sustainability] starts with knowing where and how your clothes and jewelry came to be, or anything that you own," Chivukula added.
Apps for used clothing serve to reduce the number of consumers who purchase from such fast fashion companies by offering a more environmentally responsible substitute. Depop has made significant efforts to reduce its emissions, despite the perception held by some that the internet component of these apps continues to raise emissions.
"As a House of Brands, Etsy Inc. reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 12% while Scope 3 emissions decreased by 22% on an intensity basis... compared with a 2020 baseline," according to a news release from Depop. Emissions falling under scope one and two are associated directly with the business or facility where they are produced, whereas emissions falling under scope three are indirect and originate from sources outside the company's control.
A student-run group on campus called Students for Sustainable Fashion and Art (SSFA) seeks to provide accessible used clothes and eco-friendly substitutes for common things to students as well as educate them about sustainable fashion and art. Head of marketing Angelina Oliveira shared her opinions on the advantages of secondhand shopping for the environment as well as the overconsumption fostered by fast fashion.
"I would say that the pros outweigh the cons because the effect that [Depop's emissions] has on the environment isn't nearly as much as a fast fashion site would put on their shipping alone," Oliveira stated.
Like Depop, SSFA has amassed a sizable following of individuals who wish to purchase stylish clothing while simultaneously supporting environmental causes.
"We founded SSFA with the intention of bridging the gap between environmental consciousness and artistic expression," Oliveira stated.
SSFA has worked hard to promote used apparel on campus by incorporating pop-up events, which gives students a convenient way to thrift. Online shopping is a popular choice among students, particularly in college, because it's convenient. However, even a single student can contribute to a positive change if they can divert their attention to a secondhand clothing app or even look up campus events like pop-ups.
According to Oliveira, "many people are unaware of the negative environmental effects that fast fashion has in addition to the appalling working conditions that factories subject their workers to." "I believe that more people will visit Depop and similar websites as we raise awareness of how awful these companies are."
One person's influence over a group of individuals can have a cascading effect, opening up these sustainable choices to a larger population. As more and more people become involved in the field of sustainable fashion, it's critical to understand that even seemingly insignificant actions can have a big impact.
"Purchasing it used is already preferable to purchasing it from the internet because you're saving it from possibly ending up in a landfill and giving it a second chance at life," Oliveira stated.
Although thrifting and secondhand clothing will continue to gain popularity, people should remember that there should be sustainable alternatives.
Chivukula remarked, "You have to put in the effort and educate yourself because we are the future." "Aid for regional companies!"./BGNES