By ANA LISANIN
As the world’s youngest generation, Generation Z is emerging into the sustainability generation. In the past year, more and more Gen. Z folks worldwide want to transition into a more eco-friendly environment.
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As the world’s youngest generation, Generation Z is emerging into the sustainability generation. In the past year, more and more Gen. Z folks worldwide want to transition into a more eco-friendly environment.
Why it matters: The environment is Gen. Z’s number one concern. As the world’s youngest generation enters the consumer market, Gen. Z folks are figuring out ways to protect the planet at all costs. Fashion and sustainability have come hand and hand to some Gen Z folks.
- “Living in a way that you can provide yourself with what is necessary without excess waste in thinking of the environment and understanding how precious our natural resources are and how the need for new and different items whether it’s new trendy clothes or other items can be extremely wasteful” said Sarah Merhinger, an environmental advocate.
- Merhinger also stresses that “cheap” items (such as the international online brand Shein) are often made with sweatshop labor. While Shein is affordable, it is not ethical nor sustainable.
Yesterday this lady came to give us a seminar about sustainability in fashion and sustainable materials and at some point she asked if we ordered online often
This one girl went “I’m kind of a shein-addict ihih”
The lady just smiled but I know she died inside in that moment— ?? (@elepeints) March 5, 2022
By the numbers: 90% of Gen Z consumers surveyed said they have made changes to be more sustainable in their daily lives and more sustainable fashion practices play a central role, according to Fashion United.
- According to a 2020 report by First Insight, 73% of Gen Z consumers surveyed were willing to pay more for sustainable products, more than every other generation.
- “Gen Z are changing fashion consumption with their approaches to self-expression and identity, and by redefining the way newness is understood and appreciated. This is a generation leading change at global scale” said Peter Semple, chief brand officer at Depop.
The big picture: Today, more and more of Gen. Z are finding new ways to protect the environment in a sustainable way. Some contribute to fashion and material, and others contribute by realizing what sustainability means to them.
“A way I live a sustainable life is by using paper bags when I shopping. I shop at local food markets. I use a insulated water bottle instead of using plastic water bottles. I use recyclable dog bags and a lot more” said Jason Lopez, a college student at Montclair University.
Of note: Gen Z has witnessed the negative downfall effects of the environment (which is rapidly changing) and they demand to put an end to it. Gen Z’ers have grown up with including sustainable practices in their daily lives and want to transform the global challenges that the Earth is currently facing.
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I really liked your “why it matters” section because I think you commented really well on the main reasons it does matter to gen z. I also appreciated the connection to fashion throughout the story.
I also thought the tweet was hilarious