Renting: The Newest Fashion Trend That Also Saves The Planet
Most of us have had the never-ending struggle of figuring out what to wear to a special event, sifting through the closet, picking every piece of clothing out, and thinking about how there is absolutely nothing to wear. Our typical solution? Run to the nearest mall, find something good for the event, but we will likely never wear it again, purchase it, and go about our day. That item of clothing served its initial purpose of being something to wear to a special occasion; however, it sits in the closet collecting dust and cannot be worn again for an extended period. After wearing it once, we typically donate the piece of clothing with the intention of someone giving it a second life.
Our assumptions are incorrect, though, with that item of clothing typically going to a landfill and causing environmental damages greater than we could have imagined. The fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to polluting the environment, creating around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A report regarding fashion and sustainability showcased that the United States is one of the countries with the highest carbon footprint per capita regarding fashion consumption. Equally, the average American has about 70 pounds of clothes annually to donate or throw away, most of which end up in landfills.
There are ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint, including renting clothes through rental programs. Renting clothes has a better environmental footprint than purchasing brand-new items, but it does depend on the situation. Regarding special events or rare occasions, renting is more ethical because it is a piece typically people only plan on wearing once or twice. This reduces textile waste and water, energy, and carbon usage. Not only does renting help the planet, but it also helps the average consumer because renting clothes is typically cheaper than purchasing brand-new items.
Now more than ever, finding the perfect outfit for an occasion can be overwhelming, especially in relation to social media. Repeating outfits has been frowned upon online since seeming like you have a never-ending closet is overtly prevalent. Renting can not only save you money and time and lower your carbon footprint but also help you test out new styles, have a unique outfit that no one has seen you wear before, and remove any sense of anxiety from this new wave of social media.
Renting is also followed by many who are passionate about doing what they can to save the planet. One of these is Billie Eilish, who is no stranger to sustainable fashion and reducing her carbon footprint. Named one of Time’s 100 Climate Catalysts of 2023, Eilish aims to impact how artists can help the planet while being successful.
“When an industry as big, visible, and culturally important as music leads on climate action, others will follow.”
As fans anxiously await Eilish’s upcoming album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, Eilish has collaborated to be our campaign ambassador for Rent TheRealReal. Our goal is to have customers rent designer pieces for special events, thus allowing more pieces to get worn while reducing the water, energy, and emissions on a potential purchase. Collaborating with a powerhouse for sustainability like Eilish, we hope you will not only be excited to rent your next special outfit from us but also learn the environmental benefits renting can have on sustainability.
Rent TheRealReal will be available on May 17. For more information on Rent TheRealReal and our collaboration with Billie Eilish, head to TheRealReal.com.
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