By Dianne Celemen Consumerism plays a larger-than-life role in our society. Fast fashion brands have proven to be a predominant force in the retail market, despite the vast amount of evidence that points to the way consumption of non-renewable material has exacerbated climate change. However, this does not mean that individuals do not have a responsibility in the battle against climate change. Focusing on a smaller scale of analysis -- the individual -- will encourage the American population to move towards choosing more eco-friendly clothing options. This brings up a noteworthy question: How can we as individuals contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle? Climate change directly affects my generation, and will continue to do so if we do not act on it immediately. Besides the negative effects on the environment, seeing evidence of rampant consumer culture that often requires unethical business practices and poor working conditions for laborers makes me question the very real complexities of fast fashion. Is there a necessary market for people who do not have a great deal of expendable income for clothing, but want to feel fashionable just like everyone else? And how does that issue contribute to the popularizing trend of fast fashion? Defined as clothing brands that take inspiration from the catwalk or celebrity culture, world-known fast fashion companies recreate expensive styles as relatively affordable garments sold at easily accessible stores quickly enough to meet consumer demands. Mainstream fashion is fluid and constantly changing; likewise, the fast fashion industry works to meet with society's criteria of what is "trendy." As a result, clothing textiles and fabrics are used only a handful of times, then thrown away, discarded just as fast as they were produced. The pressure on brands to keep up with the constant supply and demand, coupled with the use of cheap textiles and clothing dyes, creates an irreversible impact on our environment. One way I have planned to pursue answers is by educating myself on sustainable practices. In the digital age, I find myself analyzing the missions of companies that recycle used clothing via online platforms, like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop. Second-hand shopping at thrift stores reduces consumption per person and comes at a low price tag; donating to my local thrift store is not only a sustainable action but is also a way to give back to the environment. Upcycling clothes from fast fashion brands is a fashionable way to redesign used clothing into something innovative and fresh. As an artist, I gain insight from expanding my palette of media, which now includes textile renovation. There are countless ways to work towards a more sustainable lifestyle just with fast fashion. Even so, we as a society have a long way to go if we really want to make an impact on climate change reversal. Change can be uncomfortable, but the adaptation process coexists with valuable learning opportunities encompassing sustainable fashion and paves the way for innovations to come. If individuals keep an open mind and a willingness to explore new alternatives moving forward, the American population as a whole can shift to the use of sustainable fashion and make a difference in the textile industry. Reformation is one example of a sustainable fashion brand with a climate positive mission behind its work. Read more here: https://www.thereformation.com/pages/sustainable-practices Dianne CelemenEnvironmental Club Publicity Chair, Junior
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