Why The “Keep Or Return” Trend Isn’t Sustainable

The “Keep or Return” TikTok trend sees people buying a haul of items and then returning some of them. It may be entertaining to watch, but returning clothes to retailers can have negative implications for the environment due to several reasons:

1. Increased Transportation: Returning clothes often involves additional transportation, which contributes to carbon emissions and pollution. The process of shipping items back and forth from customers to retailers adds to the overall carbon footprint associated with the fashion industry.
2. Packaging Waste: Returns typically require packaging materials, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and plastic bags. This packaging is often discarded or not recycled properly, leading to increased waste generation.
3. Product Condition: When clothes are returned, they may not always be in a sellable condition. Retailers may choose to dispose of or heavily discount returned items that cannot be resold, leading to wasted resources and increased landfill waste.
4. Loss of Product Value: Returned clothes often lose value due to wear and tear, making them less desirable for resale. This can result in retailers discarding or disposing of these items, contributing to textile waste.
5. Energy and Water Consumption: The production of new clothing involves significant energy and water consumption. When clothes are returned, it disrupts the supply chain and may lead to additional production to fulfill replacement orders, thus using more resources.
6. Chemical Pollution: Some returned clothes may be damaged or stained, potentially requiring cleaning or treatment. The use of chemicals in the cleaning process can have negative environmental impacts, such as the release of harmful substances into water systems.

To mitigate the environmental impact of returning clothes, consumers can take several steps:

• Ensure proper sizing and fit before purchasing clothes to minimize the need for returns.
• Read product descriptions, reviews, and size charts carefully to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Opt for sustainable and ethical fashion brands that prioritize responsible production and reduce the likelihood of returns.
• Consider alternatives to returning, such as reselling, donating, or exchanging clothes with friends or through online platforms.
• Follow proper care instructions to maintain the quality and longevity of your clothes, reducing the need for returns.

By making thoughtful choices and minimizing returns, we can contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting a more sustainable fashion industry. —Vita Daily