Eco-anxiety is a growing concern among young people. For instance, a recent survey on the topic from the University of Bath included 10,000 people, ages 16–25. The respondents live in the U.K., the United States, Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Portugal. Overall, 75% of those surveyed said they find that “the future is frightening.” Over 50% said they felt “sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty” about climate change, and 45% said that their concern about climate change impacts their ability to function in their daily lives (Berman, 2021). The need for increased sustainability is clear, and the good news is that more and more people are coming to realize it and do something about it.
The Sustainability EDIT 2021 found that products listed with sustainable keywords have increased in popularity 176% since 2019 (Prather, 2021). Furthermore, a U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol survey found that 61% of brands and retailers believe that consumer demand for sustainable products has increased since the pandemic began (Sustainable shopping post pandemic, 2021).
Though more searches and increased demand are promising, it is likely that consumers are unaware of how to effectively shop in a sustainable manner. The purpose of this post is to help consumers shop sustainably year round by knowing what to look for when shopping.
How to shop sustainably
Of course avoiding impulse shopping is an important starting point in seeking to shop in a sustainable manner. Harper’s Bazaar collected other various tips from experts on how to build a more sustainable wardrobe (Davis, 2021). These include:
- Consider whether you will wear an item at least 30 times.
- Opt for vintage clothing or rental fashion.
- Invest in clothes that can be worn in multiple seasons.
- Donate unwanted apparel.
- Learn how to repair clothing or find a tailor who can do so.
- Aim for quality over quantity.
- Adjust spending–spend more on items worn daily instead of special occasion pieces.
Another tip included in the article was to be more informed. This can mean a number of things. Consumers can look for clothing with built-in performance technologies, such as antimicrobial finishes, which preserve the overall quality and appearance of the textile by enhancing the product’s durability and requiring fewer launderings. It’s also important to review whether or not apparel from a brand has received certifications and if the company is transparent in disclosing information about production processes.
Being part of the solution
Shopping sustainably can empower consumers to be part of the climate solution, rather than the problem. Yet PFS and market research group Arlington surveyed 4,000 U.S. and U.K. consumers and found that while 67% of shoppers state that conscious consumption is a priority for them, their impulse is to price shop and go for quick, free shipping (Nishimura, 2021). Prioritizing sustainability over the impulse to save money is key. Consumers’ wallets have the power to make an impact as they “vote” for products by what they purchase. As more people purchase sustainable products, companies and other consumers take note.
In conclusion, purchasing longer product life for the price, supporting businesses that prioritize circularity and ethical fashion practices, and learning about or sharing brands that have active eco-initiatives–these are just some of the ways that everyday consumers can influence the industry and those around them. Consumers’ responsible purchase decisions will further reward brands for producing eco-friendly, innovative, and durable quality products.
References
Berman, R. (2021, September 28). Eco-anxiety: 75% of young people say “the future is frightening.” Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eco-anxiety-75-of-young-people-say-the-future-is-frightening
Davis, J. (2021, September 7). 10 simple steps to being more sustainable. Harper’s Bazaar. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/a41158/how-to-be-sustainable-fashion/
Nishimura, K. (2021, September 17). How to serve consumers with ‘sustainable aspirations’ who ‘struggle to commit’. Sourcing Journal. https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/sustainability/sustainability-pfs-arlington-research-consumer-insights-retail-300787/
Prather, J. (2021, December 31). Keeping up with sustainable fashion for 2022: From recycled materials to secondhand shopping. Sourcing Journal. https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/thought-leadership/sustainable-fashion-2022-recycled-materials-secondhand-shopping-revival-gen-z-320802/
Sustainable shopping post pandemic. (2021, June 3). Textile World, 171(3), 7. https://www.textileworld.com/textile-world/2021/06/cotton-news-sustainable-shopping-post-pandemic/
