By Aimee Wheeler
Revival asked university students what they think about sustainability, revealing what young people are really thinking. Today, I spoke to Cadon Richards, aged 19, studying drama at Goldsmiths University.
How often do you shop sustainably?
CR: I try to always shop sustainably, most of my clothes are second hand and when I do buy new I don’t shop from fast fashion brands but brands that have made promises to be sustainable.
How important is sustainability to you when shopping for clothes?
CR:Sustainability is very important when I shop, my clothes are really important to how I express myself, so I use them to express my nature of being sustainable.
Have you made any changes to your shopping habits to be more sustainable?
CR:I have always shopped very sustainably without knowing I have always shopped from charity shops and I’ve always loved second-hand clothes. But I now take an interest in brands that have made promises to sustainability as I think that’s important.
What does “sustainable fashion” mean to you personally?
CR:They are products made and sold that have had steps done to them to make them sustainable, such as eco-friendly dyes and fabric, or where they come from so if they come from abroad I don’t always buy them.
Do you think sustainable fashion is affordable and accessible for students? Why or why not?
CR:It is changing, shopping second hand has started becoming more fashionable and shops are starting to notice so prices are rising.
Where do you usually shop for sustainable fashion?
CR:I shop at my local charity shops and occasionally on Vinted and Ebay.
What advice would you give to other people to shop more sustainably?
CR:Just go out and look, also shop in your own wardrobe and look at the things you have already you will usually find something you had forgotten about and re-find your love for it
Do you think social media influences your fashion choices? If so, does it affect your approach to sustainability?
CR:Not as much as I used to. Social media has made me more aware of my actions.
Have you made any changes to your shopping habits to be more sustainable?
CR:I have shifted from buying fast fashion.
Do you feel pressure to keep up with fashion trends despite knowing they might not be sustainable?
CR:Not really I’ve always had a love of second-hand clothing, I love how clothes hold the stories of the people who once owned them.