What is eco-consciousness? It refers to being aware of and taking steps to minimize one’s impact on the environment. In practice, eco-consciousness involves reducing, reusing, and recycling materials, choosing sustainable fashion, and supporting eco-friendly companies and products. Gen-Z is a huge part of the fashion industry, the same industry whose 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated each year. However, Gen-Z has been taking active action to reduce waste. Here’s how:
Thrifting and Secondhand Fashion:
40% of Gen-Z turn to resale to find the styles they are looking for. Thrifting is said to increase three times more than the global apparel market. This is not only because of the growing awareness of reducing waste but also because they are trying to find more affordable clothing options. Thrifting and secondhand shopping reduce the demand for new clothing, minimize waste, and promote a circular economy where clothes are reused and repurposed.
DIY and Upcycling:
DIY fashion is all about upcycling old clothes instead of constantly buying new ones. It gives people a chance to get creative with their wardrobes—whether that’s by adding patches, customizing pieces, painting on them, or turning old t-shirts, jeans, or tops into bags or entirely new outfits. This not only clicks with Gen Z’s focus on being eco-friendly but also allows for self-expression and unique style without the need to buy new clothes.
Minimalism and Capsule Wardrobes:
Instead of chasing fast fashion trends, they are leaning toward minimalism or capsule wardrobes, choosing fewer but more versatile and high-quality pieces. By focusing on timeless, durable clothing that lasts, they cut down on overconsumption and waste, and avoid the constant cycle of buying new stuff only to keep up with trends.
Gen Z is reshaping the fashion industry by embracing sustainability through thrifting, upcycling, and minimalist wardrobes. Their conscious efforts to reduce waste, prioritize durability, and reject fast fashion reflect a growing commitment to eco-friendly choices, fostering both individual expression and a positive environmental impact. Maybe we can too!
