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Clothing rental services promise a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Experts say it depends
ThredUp found 87% of wedding guests bought at least one outfit worn only once as experts warn shipping and cleaning can erase some climate gains.
- For special occasions, more consumers are choosing clothing rental services as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, with ThredUp data showing 87% of wedding guests previously purchased outfits they wore only once.
- Transportation is a major greenhouse gas contributor, noted Johanna Amaya, assistant professor of supply chain management at Pennsylvania State University; rental services require two trips—one to deliver and one to return—reducing delivery efficiency.
- Sustainability consultant Aja Barber said consumers often overlook hidden environmental costs, noting "you dont think about the carbon footprint of shipping the item to you" or the dry cleaning required between uses.
- Kate Fletcher, a professor of sustainability, design and fashion systems at Manchester Metropolitan University, warned that rental services can encourage the same fast-fashion mindset, with repeated shipping and cleaning undermining environmental benefits.
- Experts suggest prioritizing re-wearing, repairing, or swapping clothes instead. Sasha Eck, a rental service user, has avoided new occasion purchases since 2019, while Fletcher encouraged consumers to look within their own wardrobe before buying.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
Associated Press News+19 Reposted by 19 other sources
Clothing rental services promise a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Experts say it depends
Clothing rental services are often marketed as a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion. The subscription-based services allow consumers to rent and return outfits instead of buying new clothes.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 42%
11%
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