I think the research detailed above focusses on the resale of fast fashion, and I’m aware that the claims of substitution made by the resale platforms are not bourne out by the market data (those substitution claims are worth a look if you want a laugh - all self reported by customers). In reality, all the clothes we need for the foreseeable future are in existence now; whilst facilitating someone else’s fast fashion habit is to be avoided, a second hand purchase has no incremental environmental impact. In general tho we just all need to consume less, but I think secondhand has a place in that, particularly for items that won’t get a lot of wear.
Thanks Ruth, and this is a valuable point. Ultimately we should be consuming on a needs rather than wants basis while we return to balance, and if those can needs can be met by an item already in existence then so much the better. Perhaps we should have ended on this note. Bashing the second hand market was not my intention: instead I wanted to point out that transferring our overconsumption habits to the second hand market is not the solution. But it is a vital first step!
Oh completely agree - I’m in a lot of slow fashion groups, and I regularly see people who have replaced one shopping habit with another, and sometimes buy more because it’s cheaper! The focus on consumption is key, hence your campaign. I love that five items is so challenging - it gives everyone pause. I’m doing some more research on substitution this week so will share if I find anything more reliable than customer surveys.
I think the research detailed above focusses on the resale of fast fashion, and I’m aware that the claims of substitution made by the resale platforms are not bourne out by the market data (those substitution claims are worth a look if you want a laugh - all self reported by customers). In reality, all the clothes we need for the foreseeable future are in existence now; whilst facilitating someone else’s fast fashion habit is to be avoided, a second hand purchase has no incremental environmental impact. In general tho we just all need to consume less, but I think secondhand has a place in that, particularly for items that won’t get a lot of wear.
Thanks Ruth, and this is a valuable point. Ultimately we should be consuming on a needs rather than wants basis while we return to balance, and if those can needs can be met by an item already in existence then so much the better. Perhaps we should have ended on this note. Bashing the second hand market was not my intention: instead I wanted to point out that transferring our overconsumption habits to the second hand market is not the solution. But it is a vital first step!
Easy for oldsters harder for kids. How to infuse them with these values (greta-likeys excepted?)
Thank you for this!
Oh completely agree - I’m in a lot of slow fashion groups, and I regularly see people who have replaced one shopping habit with another, and sometimes buy more because it’s cheaper! The focus on consumption is key, hence your campaign. I love that five items is so challenging - it gives everyone pause. I’m doing some more research on substitution this week so will share if I find anything more reliable than customer surveys.