Conscious Shopping
It often slips our mind but with every purchase we contribute to the consumption of workers and the environment. The Western hemisphere exploits workers in factories and sweatshops. Being a part of society and being a consumer awareness is of relevance for every individual because every purchased commodity entails social relations. Even though individuals might not notice but by consuming they contribute to an oppressive system and keep it alive. A system that is solely based on the suffering of others and the destruction of earth.
To fight this issue you as an individual can make sure that the items you consume do not harm others in the production process. Basically turn your back to fast fashion and make use of other alternatives. Pay attention to the materials your clothes are made of, where they were made and if they were produced under fair circumstances.
Moreover, reflect before every purchase if you will actually wear this item for a long period of time. Are you just following a short-lived trend and will find this clothing item hideous in a year? Or are you actually going to wear this for years to come?
When you end up buying a clothing item, take care of it and once it does not comply with your taste or does not fit anymore do not discard it right away. Consider giving it to a friend, donating it to a local thrift store, selling it on Vinted or a flea market or upcycling it.
€€€
Urban Renewal. This might sound familiar as it is a spin-off of the well-known brand Urban Outfitters. The twist is that surplus and deadstock materials are being used to produce the clothes- basically the materials of clothes that were not sold and would have been thrown away otherwise are transformed into beautiful new pieces.
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/curated-vintage-clothing
€€
Beyond Retro. This vintage retailer provides thousands of retro clothes to choose from. It is like an actual thrift store- it is a hit or miss if you end up finding something. But that just adds to the experience, right? You can sort by brands so ideal if you are looking for a specific Adidas sweater. They have exemplary sustainable goals and their own recycle line called Label. And students get a 15% discount when shopping online!
€€
ASOS Reclaimed Vintage. When you find yourself amidst a global pandemic or do not have thrift stores around sometimes you gotta rely on online thrift shopping. This website is a good way to do so! You will find lots of unique vintage pieces. Some clothes are produced using surplus material and offcuts. The best thing is that the pieces are pretty affordable!
https://www.asos.com/women/a-to-z-of-brands/reclaimed-vintage/cat/?cid=10597
https://www.asos.com/men/a-to-z-of-brands/reclaimed-vintage/cat/?cid=11248
€€
Vintage & Rags. Lots of graphic tees and 80s fashion. They offer mystery boxes to make secondhand shopping an even more interesting experience. https://www.vintage-rags.de/de
€
Vinted. This app connects 20 million users who can buy and sell second hand clothes and accessories. Of course the price range differs but you can get in contact with the seller to negotiate the price. A rating and comments from previous buyers tells you if the seller is trustworthy. A great way to shop ethically! (same with Depop)
€
Thrift Stores. You can find a list of Middelburg’s finest thrift stores in the Green Guide.
UCR clothing market. This Green Office initiative offers a platform for UCR students to get rid of their leftover clothes. This group is for selling clothes and shoes you do not wear, bags that are unused and accessories that lie untouched.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/194746630709818/
Clothing exchange. At least once a year the Green Office hosts a clothing exchange where you can bring a few pieces you do not wear anymore. In return you can take home clothes you like! That way nothing goes to waste.
Clothing swap parties. To organize one just invite some people over and decide on a minimum amount of clothes everyone is supposed to bring. Then you can basically start- put them on a pile or hang them on clothing racks and you can take as many pieces home as you contributed. That way you can spice up your wardrobe without even having to pay anything!
This list is only a start - please let us know your favourite online second hand stores in the comments down below!
It is important to remember that you do not have to be perfect when it comes to fashion. You might not have the budget to buy from pricier sustainable brands or stores are not as inclusive and your size is not being sold. It is a privilege to say no to fast fashion. You should not shame yourself or others for buying from fast fashion brands.
An easy way to start your sustainable journey is to reduce the speed and the amount of clothes you are buying. The goal is to reduce unnecessary consumption which can also be achieved by clothing exchanges with your friends or family, repairing ripped clothes or going to charity and thrift shops. Most importantly do not blindly consume without thinking of the repercussions for the planet and develop conscious shopping behaviours.
Educational pages to look up for inspiration:
@fash_rev
@consciousfashion
@cleanclothescampaign
@slowfashionmovement
@thezwerowasteguide
App
Goodonyou: rates brands on how ethical they are, can serve as a guideline for consumers