Fashion at universities has always shown current trends. In 2024, students at Thompson Rivers University really push for sustainability. Fast fashion offers cheap clothes with ever-changing styles, which creates a challenge for environmentally concerned students. Many at TRU choose other options like thrift shopping, upcycling, and supporting local eco-friendly brands to show personal style and lower environmental impact.

The Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion harms the environment. The clothing industry adds almost 10% of the world’s carbon pollution. Clothes waste fills dumps all around the world. A single cotton shirt uses around 2,700 liters of water – enough for one person to drink for over two years. More fashion cycles probably mean students buy more clothes worn only briefly. This adds to these issues (Reichart & Drew, 2019).

TRU Students’ Response: Thrifting and Upcycling
TRU students shop second-hand and upcycle to face these challenges. Thrift shopping offers a really cheap way to stay trendy while cutting waste. Upcycling turns old clothes into new styles and helps students show their uniqueness. It also really helps reduce their carbon impact (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2024). Aside from thrifting, TRU students are taking fashion into their own hands, literally. The university’s Student Union Building now holds monthly upcycling classes where students learn how to turn old or damaged apparel into fashionable new ones.

Local BC Brands Embrace Sustainability
British Columbia has eco-friendly fashion brands against fast fashion. Patagonia stands out as it focuses on environmental action and provides strong high-quality clothes. These options attract eco-aware students. Choosing these brands lets TRU students match their style with their principles. Also, they probably support a cycle-friendly economy(United Nations Environment Programme, 2022).

Reference List

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2024). The environmental cost of fast fashion. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

Reichart, E., & Drew, D. (2019). By the numbers: The economic, social and environmental impacts of fast fashion. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org

United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). The environmental costs of fast fashion. https://www.unep.org