Sustainability Gallery

The spread of generalized, extreme claims are all too common in the fashion industry. These claims may be based in a semblance of truth and often come from a place of wanting better for the industry, but, ultimately, they can undermine it. In order to be taken seriously in our call for a more sustainable industry, we need research-backed claims that can provide a pathway towards action. When claims are taken out of context and oversimplified, they lose their power to drive the right kind of change.

Fast fashion is ingrained into our culture. However, that came at the cost of normalizing waste, excess, and exploitation. While the fast fashion business model is incredibly harmful, we can’t deny that it made shopping easier for many. This ease has opened the door for overconsumption and mindless shopping, but it has also created opportunities for many to access fashion in a way they hadn’t been able to before.

Shopping secondhand has long been touted as an affordable way to shop sustainably. And I do agree with that. But, there are still things to keep in perspective— it’s not a perfect solution for everyone. If we are going to celebrate and push for secondhand as a solution to our overproduction and overconsumption problems, we must acknowledge its shortcomings.

There are endless options of what to buy, who to buy from, and how much you want to pay. There are no limits to how you can style yourself—especially with the advent of fast fashion that brings runway looks to market in record speed at low prices. On the surface, this seems like a great thing. Some may even say that’s progress. But if you dig into the story of how a garment is made, these endless options turn out to be problematic for everyone involved.

Shopping with intention is the root to shopping sustainably. To do so, you have to consider the purpose and long-term potential of the item. This requires self-awareness and reflection before committing to a purchase. You want to buy things that are in alignment with your values, style, and lifestyle with the goal that you’ll be able to love and wear the item for years to come. Using filtering questions like these can help you gain that awareness and better think through your purchases.