In today’s media world, it seems that almost every day, a new piece of clothing or accessory has gone viral and made it to the front-ends of each person's screens. Although being a part of the new trends seems enticing, the constant production and acquisition of these new items causes horrifying realities. So much of these products turn into waste and often end up in low-income countries, where they find their spot in landfills, beginning a decade-long cycle of breaking down and releasing harmful greenhouse gases.
Now, every time you discard a piece of clothing or accessory, it further adds to this dilemma of the frightening realities of surplus and waste in the fashion industry. Also, these realities don’t just come from throwing clothes out, but the increased consumer spending leads companies to overproduce their items, and then, when it is no longer appealing to the audience, it makes its way to waste.
So, next time you go to buy a new product or t-shirt, consider whether you actually need it and if there are alternative options. Taking these minimalist actions will lead to more conscious decision-making and help take measures to solve the global dilemma of waste in the fashion industry.
Although shopping has become romanticized, and many young teenagers enjoy referring to themselves as a “shop-aholic,” you can take steps before you begin to spend money.
Ways to help:
1. Controlled Spending: Attempt to limit the amount of “new clothes” you buy
2. Basics: Focus on finding a few key basics for shirts and pants, sticking to purchasing clothes and accessories that you will actually wear often and need
3. Reuse: Instead of constantly buying clothes, find outlets to remove ones from your current wardrobe, such as resale, donating to homeless shelters, or passing them down to friends
4. Thrifting: If you are interested in older, more “rare” pieces, take a look at local thrift stores
5. Repurpose: Anything from shirts to pants can be made into new and fun accessories, using their fabric for a new design and styled piece
Work Cited
“Unsustainable fashion and textiles in focus for International Day of Zero Waste 2025.” UNEP, 27 March 2025, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/unsustainable-fashion-and-textiles-focus-international-day-zero. Accessed 11 May 2026.
