Being a modern day consumer, our eyes are easily attracted to styles that fit our aesthetic but also our budgets. Teenagers spend so much time working on school work that finding time for a job to make clothing money is not the easiest task. People from all walks of life have this problem with disposable income: should I go out with friends, or should I spend money on new clothes? Brands such as Shein, Zara, and countless more, have seen the problem of changing styles on a limited budget, accounted for by fast fashion. As consumers, we often get sucked into the world of cheap clothing and we see the environment suffer as a result. Working conditions for manufacturers, carbon emissions increasing, and non eco-friendly shipping, among other problems, are created when fast fashion brands emerge and gain popularity. It seems as if there is no compromise between fast fashion and a lower budget, and sustainable fashion with a higher budget and larger disposable income.
Teenagers can manage to shop the latest trends by thrifting and having clothing swaps with others. As a thrift lover myself, I have found thrifting a great way to feel comfortable in my contribution to the environment, as well as in the clothes that I wear. The thrift store is a great resource, especially around the Boston area- from super thrift stores such as the Garment District, to local thrift stores in smaller neighborhoods, like Roslindale and JP. Not only is thrifting sustainable, but it feels good to donate as well as shop. Donations keep the thrift stores stocked with pieces that might be exactly what others are looking for. By supporting local thrift stores and purchasing from charity thrift stores, we can feel sustainable and stylish on a budget. Roslindale village is home to one of the most underrated thrift venues in Boston. The ¨Home for Little Wanderers Thrift Store¨ is a great place for vintage pieces with all proceeds donated to the ¨Home for Little Wanderers¨ in Mattapan. I, in fact, have found stable corset tops, vintage pants, and tons of cool rings at that very thrift store, that are trendy but also not harmful to the environment. Online thrift stores such as Depop, Curtsy, Poshmark, and ThreadUp allow for the resale of clothing from your doorstep. These apps seem difficult to navigate at first, but especially during a pandemic, this is a great option for those looking for sustainability from the safety and convenience of your own home. Using Depop and Curtsy, my personal favorites, has allowed me and countless others to sell and purchase lightly used clothing, accessories, and jewelry without supporting big businesses that utilize poor labor conditions, harmful working environments, and non-sustainable manufacturing for personal gain and climate change. I would 10/10 recommend downloading any one of these apps for a change in style, to make some cash, and to shop sustainably. The best option, though, is still donations, because they keep thrift stores in business, but certain pieces can definitely be sold through these platforms and give teenagers some spare cash for whatever they may need. Clothing swaps and trades can be great ways to see friends and family while also gaining new staple pieces and trendy grandpa clothes for your wardrobe. Styles and trends change daily, and chances are, your friends, siblings, and even parents have items that you could use and up-cycle. Before seeing a cute Pinterest pin and shopping for that look on Shein, try hosting a clothing swap with other friends. Take clothes from your closet that you never wear or clothes that you don't personally see going with anything you own, and put that all into a bag. Have your friends do the same and find a time to meet up and exchange items. This simple get-together can not only be a free way to give and get stylish pieces, it can also be done in a covid-friendly way. Clothing swaps are fun, fast, and exciting. Although shopping for cute clothes on Shein, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and other fast fashion websites seems to be the way to go, more unique, affordable, and sustainable fashion pieces can be shopped for in your mom’s closet, your local thrift store, and your friends’ closets as well. Donating, swapping, up-cycling, and thrifting are amazing ways to wear cute clothes but also feel good about the clothes that you are wearing, knowing that they are not negatively harming the environment. These options still are not easy for everyone, and shopping fast fashion on occasion is not the biggest deal, but when you can, take into consideration any alternatives to the regular fast fashion sites.
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