Obstacles around shopping sustainably

Shopping sustainably is not something that can be done by most people. It is common amongst many teens and young adults to want to be able to shop sustainably but it is not in their budget. Senior Ariel Hoskin shared her reasoning as to why she can’t shop sustainably.

“[Being a high school student is] basically the only thing preventing me from shopping sustainably. If I were older with a better salary it would be a lot easier to shop sustainably. I think [being 100% sustainable] is really important for our environment and for our duty as citizens. I’d love to get to that point in my life but as of right now, it’s just not possible for me personally,” Hoskin said.

While there are obstacles standing in the way of shopping sustainably for many, some find ways to make sustainable shopping a regular part of their lives. According to IBM 78% of Gen Z purchased or want to purchase pre-owned, repaired, or renewed products. Freshman Sebastian Blanco shared how they shop sustainably.

“I tend to shop at thrift stores or obtain clothes second hand some other way such as hand-me-downs from older relatives. I try to shop at sustainable retailers that aren’t as bad for the environment such as brands like SHEIN,” Blanco said.

Not only does fast fashion negatively affect our environment but it hinders the progress of small businesses. Shopping local not only helps the environment but it helps our communities. Co-Owner of White Satin Bridal, Sarah Arrigoni, gave her take on what shopping small means to her.

“I love to support small local businesses when I shop. I count on people coming to me and not shopping at big box bridal stores to have that personal experience. We are located in a cute small downtown area and I try to shop local all the time. This means I buy at my local meat market, produce grocer, clothing boutiques and always [eat] at our local restaurants and coffee shops,” Arrigoni said.

While fast fashion has a role in society, being mindful of its effect on the environment and its communities is the way that consumers can shop sustainably.