Have you ever stopped to think about your shopping habits? While some people enjoy buying piles of clothes every month, others have started to question if this constant shopping is really necessary. Wearing stylish outfits is fun, of course—but ask yourself: are some fashion trends simply harming our planet too much?

The environmental impact of fast fashion
What’s clear is that fast fashion is everywhere—and so easy to get, right? With millions of shops and websites selling cheap clothes that look good, it’s no surprise many of us grab them without thinking twice. But here’s the catch: these clothes are often worn only once or twice, made quickly with poor materials, and end up in the trash way too soon. On top of that, the fashion industry uses massive amounts of water and causes pollution all around the globe. Sure, not every brand is terrible—but let’s be honest, fast fashion is one of the biggest problems for the environment.


People buy unnecessary clothing
Think about it: how often do you buy clothes just to look good or fit in? That’s likely one of the main reasons especially young people shop for things they don’t even need. Social media and influencers flood us with what’s “in,” and suddenly we feel like we have to keep up. Sound familiar? If you ask me, most people just want to be part of a trend—even if it means wasting money and harming nature in the process.


Thrifting is cool and eco-friendly
Let’s look at Austria for a moment—people there seem to be slowly changing their habits. Yes, fast fashion is still popular, but more and more people are giving thrift shops a try. And guess what? Thrifting is now seen as cool and creative. You don’t have to worry about people judging you for wearing secondhand clothes anymore. In fact, it’s often admired! But on the flip side, if you always go for cheap, low-quality fashion, don’t be surprised if someone calls you out for not caring about the planet.


So, what does it all come down to? There are so many good reasons to choose thrifting over fast fashion. At the end of the day, it’s up to you. You’re responsible for how you shop and dress. Whether it’s about saving money, helping the environment, or showing off your unique style—it’s your choice. So, what kind of shopper do you want to be?