If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok lately, you may have seen posts touting the latest viral fad of “underconsumption-core.” Unlike other microtrends that have their fleeting moment of hype on social media, (we’re looking at you, Cottagecore, Coastal Cowgirl-core, Barbiecore, and Mermaidcore), this “trend” is a bit of an oxymoron.
Underconsumption-core is the direct pushback to its inverse: overconsumption. As influencer culture pervades society and our internet use, overconsumption has skyrocketed, especially when it comes to fashion. Every day on social media, we are bombarded with videos of shopping “hauls” and hooks that tell you to “run don’t walk” to get the latest jeans, lip glosses, hand sanitizers, water bottle charms or you-name-it-other-unessential-thing. We, as consumers, are slowly but surely becoming jaded to this new-age marketing tactic.
More than 11 million tons of textile waste was generated in the United States alone from discarded clothing and other textiles. Even worse, only about 15% of this waste is recycled or repurposed, while the majority ends up in landfills. Let’s let that stat sink in.
Here’s the good news!
Informed citizens and consumers alike are catching on to this global problem. Sustainably-minded social media users are now displaying ways they partake in underconsumption-core by proudly showing off their years-old reusable water bottles, scraps of old cloth repurposed for dish rags, thrifted glassware and decor, upcycled tote bags and art projects, and other quality gadgets and textiles that have proven reliable through the years in the face of “newer is better” mantras.
As libraries have always been on the forefront of free, accessible information and resource-sharing to the public, Yonkers Public Library is happy to announce that we will be hosting our very first sustainable Clothing Swap on November 23, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
At the swap, patrons can come shop new-to-you items in an effort to promote sustainable fashion and foster community in style.
To join the fun, follow this link to fill out a participation form and bring 5-10+ gently used or never worn items to Crestwood Library by November 18, 2024, so that we can sort and organize donations. We are accepting all clothing items: tops, pants, blouses, shorts, shoes, and accessories: purses, bags, jewelry, scarves, gloves, hats, and hair accessories. Women’s, men’s and unisex items will be accepted!
Join us in combating overconsumption and fast fashion by participating in our sustainable swap!
Nora-Grayce Orosz is a part-time Junior Clerk at Crestwood Library. She is a Yonkers (born and raised) freelance writer and social media manager and has fostered a lifelong love of reading.