Millennial and Gen Z are emerging as the sustainability generation. According to recent reliable studies, these generations are showing strong preferences for sustainable fashion. They are even willing to spend 10% more on sustainable products, such as used clothing, second-hand shoes, etc.
The fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits behind all types of pollution, including air pollution, water pollution, and microplastic pollution. It produces waste that ends up in landfills and tons of plastic microfibers polluting the ocean. Harmful chemicals used for making clothes end up in water streams, thus polluting our source of clean water.
Given all these hazards associated with the fashion industry, the inclination of millennials and Gen Z towards sustainable fashion is a boon.
A Brief Introduction to Sustainable Fashion What if you could figure out how exactly your purchases will affect the environment, humans, and animals alike? You want to buy something that is healthy, cruelty-free, and not harmful to the planet. This ultimate goal drives the sustainable fashion movement.
Sustainable fashion like used clothing refers to the in which brands create apparels that reduces environmental impact and is mindful of the workers and animals. For example, now you can buy used clothing Los Angeles to make sustainable used clothing accessible to people.
Used clothing is one of the most popular ways to embrace ethical and sustainable fashion. More and more people, especially millennials and Gen Z, are buying used clothing to contribute towards a greener planet. That is why the demand for used clothing is growing.
But why are fashion-forward generations of millennials and Gen Z so interested in sustainable fashion? Let’s figure out:
Reasons Why Millennials and Gen Z Prefer Sustainable Fashion
They want quality over quantity. Millennials and Gen Z prefer quality over quantity. Instead of cluttering their wardrobes with cheap, trend-driven items, they want quality, durable, and timeless pieces that last longer. In addition, they also want clothing that has minimal to no negative impact on the environment. That is why vintage wholesale clothing Los Angeles is growing in demand because vintage clothing is durable and timeless. It also helps create a unique fashion statement for wearers. On top of that, vintage used clothing has minimal impact on our environment. Used clothing is affordable yet stylish. The trendy second-hand or used clothing market is growing because it allows shoppers to access stylish clothing at relatively lower costs than buying brand-new apparel. According to recent statistics, 67% of millennials in the UK alone buy second-hand, and two in five things in Gen Zs closet are pre-owned. By considering used clothing, millennials and Gen Z can find stylish, sustainable fashion on a budget.
Innovation and technology
There are not just shoppers who support the sustainability fashion movement. Technologists and brand innovators also seem enthusiastic about this movement. Millennials and Gen Z are actively supporting and investing in emerging technologists and innovations meant to promote sustainable clothing, including used clothing and pre-owned shoes. This typically includes fabrics made from recycled materials, plant-based textiles, low-impact techniques for dyeing, and/or advancements in sustainable manufacturing. All of these fulfill millennials and Gen Zs growing demand for sustainable fashion that does not cost anything to our planet. From apps for tracing an apparel’s lifecycle to platforms that facilitate buying and selling used clothing, technologists provide tools to make sustainable fashion appealing and accessible.
In addition, independent fashion brands and brand activists recognize the need for sustainable products, from used clothing to food and makeup products.
Impact of climate change on mental health
Young generations, including millennials and Gen Z, are struggling with climate anxiety. These generations witness extreme weather events, such as heat waves, wildfires, freezes, heavy downpours, tornadoes, floods, and cyclones. All of these disastrous events cause feelings of distress and helplessness. Millennials and Gen Z are also concerned about their future generations due to changing climate conditions.
Embracing sustainable fashion and used clothing is one of the many ways millennials and Gen Z can contribute towards controlling climate change. So, the demand for wholesale used clothing in California is growing. Using sustainable living as a coping mechanism. Sustainable living is another way for millennials and Gen Z to cope with climate anxiety. It allows them to control their personal impact on our environment. So, they are increasingly making sustainable fashion choices, buying used clothing, promoting green policies, and reducing waste. In this way, they are proactively contributing positively towards making the Earth a greener and safer place to live while enjoying psychological benefits like having a sense of hope and purpose.
Conclusion
Although millennials and Gen Z are redefining sustainable fashion, the movement needs individual actions as well as community support. This is necessary to address all challenges that come with climate change and a polluted environment. This also includes educational as well as awareness programs focused on teaching youngsters the long-term benefits of sustainable living. Start with used clothing and slowly move towards a full, sustainable life.
