Sustainable fashion on the rise amidst fast fashion pollution

Abigail Beinkowski

Emily Mosier photo Students shop at local thrift stores.

In the midst of a climate crisis and overflowing landfills, sustainable fashion is emerging as the new, environmentally-friendly answer to an industry benefiting from micro-trends.

According to Green Peace, 92 million tons of textiles end up in landfills or in the ocean each year. With numbers as shocking as this, younger generations are looking towards more eco-friendly ways to build their wardrobe.

Troy Environmental Club president Karle Chamberlin is a senior English major from Alabaster, Alabama.

“Clothes are made in bulk, don’t last long, and follow short-lived trends that last until people move on,” Chamberlin said. “The factories cause pollution, and the ethical issues within those factories are shocking.”

A study done in 2020 showed that the fashion industry contributes to nearly 10% of the world’s pollution.

The study states companies produce mass amounts of cheaply made clothing rather than giving consumers the option to invest in sustainable, long-lasting pieces that outlive quick styles.

Leah Norris, a sophomore majoring in elementary education from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, has dedicated a lot of time to shopping sustainably in a culture of low-quality.

“I pretty much exclusively get my clothes from thrift stores,” Norris said. “I like thrifting because it feels good to know that I’m not contributing to the destruction of our environment and that everything I wear is unique.

“A lot of the stuff people donate is old and made in a time where quality and longevity of items were prioritized. Buying these quality pieces means getting rid of less clothing.”

Buying from thrift stores, antique shops and online resellers is a budding avenue of shopping in more populated areas. However, the popularization of secondhand clothing hasn’t touched small towns as significantly.

Kyndall Jefferson, a junior music major from Gulf Breeze, Florida, expressed concern about the situation.

“In Troy, there are only a few places to thrift, and I’ve never seen another student there other than friends of mine,” Jefferson said.

Clothing isn’t the only thing on Jefferson’s mind.

“Shoes, jewelry, hats, bags— all of these are made by fast fashion brands. In a college town, so many students only have the money to buy cheaper things, but at the end of every year, those products wind up in the thrift stores or the dumpster.”

While younger generations are increasingly aware of environmental issues, growing up in a digital age tells them to constantly be on top of what’s popular.

“It’s a mental battle,” Chamberlin said. “You care about the environment, but you also care about how you’re perceived.

“I have to remind myself that I care more about the future of the planet than being trendy.”

While fast fashion brands provide current and cost-effective items, the impact on the environment can’t be dismissed, but small changes made by everybody can make a big difference.

It is recommended to consider dropping by a thrift store. Recognize and avoid cheap brands, and lean towards a closet filled with high-quality clothing that will last a lifetime.