How to shop ethically on a povo student budget
The conversation around ethical shopping is gaining momentum — and for good reason. With recent studies demonstrating the devastating environmental effects of consumerism and increasing insight into awful working conditions that have lead to tragedies like the 2013 Rana Plaza garment factory collapse, it’s becoming apparent that our purchasing choices have an impact.
It’s easy for us students to dismiss ethical shopping on the basis that it requires too much effort or money we don’t have, but a few simple and budget-friendly adjustments to your shopping habits can make a world of difference.
Get thrifty
What’s old is new again, so head to your local op shop and snag some pre-loved bargains. It may take some time to uncover a treasure, but the hunt is well worth it and half the fun. You can usually find pieces that have hardly been worn, or designer items for unbelievable prices ($10 Gucci loafers anyone?). If you’re feeling creative, there’s always a heap of old Levi jeans just waiting to be given new life as denim cut-offs. Op shops usually donate proceeds to charity, so you can leave the store knowing you’ve done some good in more ways than one.
Embrace vintage
A step up from the humble op shop is the vintage store or market, which can generally be found in whatever suburb the hipsters reside in. As such, expect to pay a bit more than you would at an op shop, but know that you’ll be getting top qual vintage goodies that will be sure to boost your on-trend 90s aesthetic. Plus you’ll be breathing new life into old clothes that may have otherwise ended up in landfill. It’s a win for you and the environment.
Get renting
If you’ve had your eye on a particularly pricey piece of clothing for a while now, but squirm at the thought of paying full price, don’t despair, and definitely don’t go out and buy it anyway. There’s a new industry based around clothing rental, with sites such as Glam Corner, Her Wardrobe and Your Closet offering designer threads for rent at a fraction of the retail price. These sorts of sites are perfect for special events, when you know you’re only going to wear something once anyway.
Buy less
Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood was spot on when she said “Buy less, choose well, make it last”. Quality over quantity is a simple concept that is becoming increasingly difficult to remember in today’s crazy consumerist culture. But it really does make sense to quit buying cheap crap that we’ll only abandon in favour of more cheap crap, and to instead save that money for things we really want and will actually use. The more we buy, the more damaging our social and environmental impact. Simply follow Viv’s philosophy and you’ll be doing everyone a favour.
Think twice
Ultimately, the key to ethical shopping is being skeptical. Ask yourself how that chain store t-shirt can cost only $10. Consider where, how and by whom your clothes were made. Research your favourite brands and read up on their positions regarding environmental sustainability and worker’s rights (or lack thereof). Be mindful of getting swept up in bargain culture and resist the temptation to buy things you don’t need, or even really want, just because they’re on sale. Know that your dollars can make a difference — it’s up to you whether that difference is positive or negative.
Aobh O’Brien-Moody
Aobh studies journalism at UNSW, eats too much ice cream and is half Irish in case you couldn’t tell. She tweets at @Aobh_OBM.