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Sustainability is often seen as a bonus to typical commodities — something that’s nice to flaunt in conversation but doesn’t necessarily elicit intentional pursuit of environmental care. But for students in Syracuse, eco-friendly habits are not just an option; they’re an essential part of shaping our desires for a better future into reality.
Keeping recent American climate tragedies in mind, along with overconsumption and resource depletion, Gen Z can no longer afford to be passive trend followers. The urgency of change is undeniable, and it’s time for college students to step up and make a difference.

One of the most significant factors contributing to global waste is the food industry. Almost one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, putting a strain on our resources while contributing to hunger and planet degradation. But food scrap is a mere fraction of the problem. Clothing waste is a prominent area in which we can all make a noticeable, immediate change.

Every year, millions of tons of clothing are discarded into landfills where they can take over 200 years to decompose. release harmful methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and toxic chemicals into the soil and water. This adds to the already staggering ecological damage caused by leading manufacturers. In 2023, the fashion industry alone generated 97 million tons of waste, including chemical waste, packaging and leftover textiles.

The debris we’re generating in both the food and fashion trades is impossible to maintain, yet students in Syracuse are in a unique position to put the planet ahead of ourselves. Unlike past generations that accepted small, superficial changes in the name of green initiatives, we have the power to demand more. It’s not enough to be environmentally conscious in theory — we need to take action in the everyday choices we make, especially when it comes to what we consume, wear and throw away.

Ilana Zahavy | Design Editor

One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is thrift shopping. Thrift stores have long been a staple for those on a budget, but today they are an essential part of an eco-conscious lifestyle. No longer are second hand clothes seen as “leftovers” or items reserved for the financially strained. Instead, thrift shopping has become a trendy, sustainable alternative to the wasteful practices of fast fashion.

Resellers on platforms like Depop, ThredUp and Poshmark make it easier than ever to shop secondhand and offer a wide array of unique and affordable fashion options, so buying clothes from these sites is a simple way to lessen clothing discards right from your computer. It shouldn’t simply be about saving money — buying pre-worn clothes makes the statement that you feel proud to express your individuality and influence a more conservation-minded fashion industry.

Students in Syracuse are already exemplifying how they embrace this shift. 3fifteen, a campus-local thrift store found inside Marshall Square Mall, has become a go-to spot for many students and provides more than just affordable clothing. Thrifting draws you and your friends together into a relaxing group hang-out, making for a good way to unwind from school and discover unique stylistic treasures that always provide a backstory to tell. Whether it’s a vintage sweater, a quirky accessory or a piece of jewelry with history, thrifting gives us the chance to curate our personal wardrobe in a renewable and distinctive way, which is a design element completely absent from fast fashion.

Beyond the joy of finding a one-of-a-kind item, resale shopping also promotes a culture of “slow fashion” that encourages us to think beyond the cycle of ever-changing trends. Instead of rushing to buy the latest fast fashion pieces that everyone else bought, thrifters choose clothing that is not only stylish but also personally appealing and rare. Opening your mind to something that’s already been worn promotes a fashion sense that values practicality and meaning over materialism.

But this adjustment isn’t solely about what we buy — it’s about how we live. Small changes in our daily habits build up to make a bigger impact. Whether it’s composting leftovers or choosing reusable coffee cups, each choice contributes to a more conscious footprint. By supporting brands in line with this goal, advocating for better low-impact practices and educating your peers about the benefits to saying no to fast fashion, we can help create a culture where sustainability is the norm, not the exception or afterthought.

Students in Syracuse have the power to lead this charge and are part of an age group that understands the threatening stakes the Earth faces. We must know that the decisions we make today will shape the world we live in as adults and parents.

By embracing green lifestyles, whether through mindful shopping or supporting eco-friendly initiatives, we preserve resources for the future while setting an example for others, letting people know it’s okay to not bend to consumerism’s will.

A zero-waste lifestyle doesn’t have to be a sacrifice — it can be an opportunity to express your creative individuality and care for greater social issues. By making mindful fashion choices at thrift stores, students can make a real, lasting impact. It’s not enough to be concerned for the health of our planet — it’s about taking action to better it. The future is in our hands, and it’s time to make sustainability your priority.

Autumn Clarke is a freshman majoring in broadcast and digital journalism. She can be reached at auclarke@syr.edu.

Published on January 19, 2025 at 9:08 pm