From the rise of matcha lattes to plant filled rooms, Gen Z has turned sustainability into a lifestyle, whether they know it or not. Today, if you were to go ask a teen where they got their clothes, it's likely to be a fifty percent chance they'll say "Oh this? I thrifted it."
We know the famous sustainable activist Greta Thunberg, who has pushed the idea that Gen Z can help change the future of our planet, but what's not often talked about are the everyday people who implement eco-friendly practices. So, why is this rise of sustainability and environmental awareness happening?
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Why Is The Climate Such a Big Concern?
Image Credit: RCraig09 From Wikimedia Commons
A silly question yes, but a real one. Out of all the generations that have existed on this planet, Gen Z is arguably the most environmentally concerned. A big reason for this is that climate change is more present (and public) than ever.
What I mean by public is that the idea of climate change is now pushed out into media through updates about polar ice caps and rising carbon dioxide levels, and into homes by more families composting and using solar technology.
According to Climate.gov, the last ten warmest years in historical record have taken place in the past decade (2015-2024). Since Gen Z were born from approximately 1997-2012, we have been living though the worst period of climate change and have accepted that our future children will have to grow up during an extreme environmental state. But maybe we don't have to.
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Thrifting vs. Fast Fashion
Thrifting is becoming a huge thing for our current generation. Low prices, vintage clothes, and saving the environment—what more could you want? Based on Thred Up's 2025 Resale Report, the global secondhand market is expected to hit $367 billion by 2029, growing 2.9 times faster than our overall global apparel market.
Additionally, 48% of younger generations (including Gen Z), say that when shopping for apparel the first place they look is in secondhand shops. As social media and the internet grow more and more, online shopping has become an extremely popular way to shop. While online shopping can get you to sites like Lululemon, Hollister, and Aritzia, it can also get you to online consignment and secondhand stores like Depop, ThredUp, and Poshmark. These stores provide a platform where people can sell their old clothes and buy pre used ones, saving the planet and money at the same time.
Image Credit: Fons Heijnsbroek From Wikimedia Commons
On the other hand, in a world where inflation is happening and there's less power attached to a dollar, teens are resorting to fast fashion for quick, cheap ways to purchase online. Two noticeable shops are Temu and SHEIN. Public Eye says that 75-hour work weeks are still the norm for these kinds of stores.
Workers were interviewed saying that they can't take anymore then a day off per month as it "costs too much". While knowing this information, many young people still choose to buy from these horrific websites.
This being said, many more teens are resorting to sustainable fashion over this ultra-processed fast fashion. Because of the environmental effects of fast fashion on the environment including the use of toxic chemicals and excessive water consumption, teens are quickly changing their tune about these low-quality products and opting for an eco-friendlier option.
Image Credit: Shein From Wikimedia Commons
The Obsession With Green
No, not the color. Well, maybe the color. Still, older adolescents newfound love for all things green is astonishing.
Matcha lattes for example, have become an insanely addictive and popular drink for any season. They've become so widespread because they're seen as a healthier alternative to coffee, and Gen Z's fixation on the environment extends to health as well.
Furthermore, talking about the environment isn't enough. You have to show that you're committed to changing the planet. What better way to do that then to buy 20 overpriced plants from Home Depot and put them around your room? Don't forget to water them.
All jokes aside, creating a greenery or planting a garden really is good for the planet, and whether you're being performative or genuinely care, it does show your love for the environment.
Image Credit: Andy Li From Wikimedia Commons
The Aesthetics Of It All
While doing all of these positive things for our earth, and truly caring about sustainability is great, it's also aesthetic; a big reason to join the trend. Let's be real: plants in bedrooms are cute! They make it look like a forest, and all of your closest friends will want to copy you immediately.
Those matcha lattes? Sure, they taste good, but they look SO good on your Instagram story.
If being aesthetic and trendy while taking care of the earth is what you want to do, go for it. When you're committing to something, whether that's only buying sustainably, using metal straws, or growing a garden, it's good to be passionate and love what you're doing. That can 100% be your aesthetic. The earth will thank you!
