Rising interest in sustainable fashion and degrowth movement

In 2021, Kat Butler's post-lockdown shopping trip left her overwhelmed by the amount of clothes, prompting her to re-evaluate her consumption habits. A McKinsey survey found two-thirds of consumers wanted to turn away from fast fashion due to environmental concerns. Young people are increasingly choosing secondhand and vintage clothing, while 46% of respondents in a recent YouGov survey said environmental sustainability affected their household purchases. The concept of degrowth is gaining traction, challenging the idea of growth as an end in itself. Tim Jackson, an ecological economist, argues for a post-growth world, emphasizing the need to question consumption habits and inequality in rich countries. Doughnut economics, which aims to balance social and environmental needs, is gaining attention in Europe. While some economists argue that economic growth can be decoupled from environmental impact, proponents of degrowth emphasize the need to tackle excessive consumption at its root.