Black Public Media's #ShopLikeNana Campaign Invites Us to Fight Back Against Fast Fashion

Black Public Media's #ShopLikeNana campaign

According to Earth.org, 92 million tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills every year, and this number is expected to reach 134 million by the end of the decade if nothing is done to change that trend.

This raises many environmental issues, but that is not all. Landfills present numerous public health concerns, and solid waste facilities tend to be disproportionately located in low-income communities of color.

To combat this sad reality, Harlem-based nonprofit Black Public Media has partnered with Paramount Plus to launch #ShopLikeNana, the third iteration of its BE HEARD social media campaign designed to bring attention to issues facing Black communities.

This campaign aims to raise awareness about the disastrous consequences of the rise of fast fashion in recent years and the heavy burden it places on the planet. It offers interesting suggestions on how to become a mindful shopper and highlights the environmental benefits of giving used apparel a new life.

#ShopLikeNana encourages us to shop in our grandmother’s closet since it is a great way to acquire new pieces without contributing to textile waste or generating more harmful manufacturing emissions. Not only that, but it also allows us to save money, find good quality timeless treasures, and celebrate time-honored sustainability practices.

The campaign also invites us to shop our own closets, share pieces with loved ones, and snag bargains at our local thrift stores. Whether we decide to keep our “new” clothing as is or upcycle it into something entirely different, we are actively fighting back against fast fashion and supporting ethical, sustainable fashion.

By changing the way we shop and shifting our approach to fashion, we are doing our part to combat textile waste and climate change. We are making the climate justice movement more powerful!

How can you participate and #ShopLikeNana?

If you need new clothes or simply would like to experiment with new pieces, refrain from buying new and opt for second-hand clothing instead.

First, go through your closet and see if you can find new ways to style your pieces. You may for instance want to add some accessories or mix and match your clothes in new ways to make things more interesting. You can even upcycle them into something different to give them a new life!

Also, ask your friends or relatives (your grandma included!) if they would like to do a clothing swap. That way, you can give away your rarely-worn pieces if they want them, and you can add variety to your wardrobe with their unwanted clothes. Your loved ones might even share with you the history of their pieces, such as the memories they’ve made while wearing them. Styling these clothes every day will feel very special afterward!

Another great option is to visit your local thrift store or shop second-hand on platforms like eBay, ThreadUp, or Poshmark. You’ll be able to find both modern and vintage clothes at a fraction of their original price!

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your “new” pieces and have fun rediscovering old styles.

Finally, share your new-to-you clothes on social media and show the world how cool shopping sustainably is! Tag your posts #ShopLikeNana to help the campaign reach new people and spread its message.

About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.