For college students, every new school year ushers in the overwhelming sense of possible reinvention. As a senior, this August will include my last ever first day of school and despite this being my 16th one, I am still captivated by the idea of a fresh start and of a sparkly new me.

But no matter what year you are I’m sure this is a feeling that many of you are experiencing this week as well. 

To the disdain of my mother (and her wallet) this often has manifested itself as a desire for new stuff. New clothes, shoes, backpacks, sheets- you name it. It’s normal to seek out material items as a way of self expression and a new outfit can be a quick way to feel more confident. But like so many good things, this kind of consumerism is best in moderation. 

These days the online world, where we’re all spending increasingly more time, is flooded with influencers promoting products, celebrities unveiling new brands, and pictures with links where purchasing is as easy as clicking. 

It goes without saying that we are obsessed with stuff. Constantly consuming this kind of content can put us in a negative feedback loop, we begin to feel unsatisfied by what we have, convinced that our lives would be better if only we had that one new thing.

Not only is this kind of consumerism bad for our brains, it’s also bad for the planet. The production and transportation of clothes, electronics, etc. leads directly to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, effectively warming the Earth. It also increases plastic production creating more waste and thus more landfills.

If you’re starting this school year in search of that special something new, here are a few ways to consume sustainably:

1. Shop second hand: Shopping at thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, or your local consignment is a great way to spruce up your closet without hurting the planet! Many campuses across the country have introduced sustainable shopping initiatives. At The George Washington University, beginning on Friday Aug. 30 with its grand opening, students will be able to visit The Loop. The Loop is GW’s FREE clothing exchange store where students can donate unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories in return for something “new.” Learn more about The Loop here. 
2. Be intentional: There have been countless hours where I get lost in a rabbit hole on Instagram or Pinterest and walk away from my phone feeling like I want to burn my whole closet and start over. I love new shoes as much as Carrie Bradshaw does but at the end of the day my outfit is not a reflection of who I am and comparison is the thief of joy. I have found it much more worthwhile to spend time styling what I do have instead of pining over what I don’t. 
3. Sharing is caring: In my three years of college I have been incredibly fortunate to live with girls similar sizes to me which has meant our respective closets have morphed into one big one. I recognize this is a huge luxury that many people might not have but friends are always a great place to look for inspiration, especially if they have an impending closet clean-out. 
4. Quality over quantity: When you do decide it’s time to buy something new (yay!) consider investing in products that have been created sustainably instead of falling victim to fast fashion. Although these kinds of clothes and shoes can be more expensive, it’s true that we vote with our wallets and by supporting brands that care about the planet and their employees, we are working to ensure a future where sustainability is the standard. 

Wherever you (and your closet) might be this fall, here’s to a new school year of sustainability! Good luck!