Caleb Gustavson

“As a student leader, fast fashion is one of a variety of issues that student voice in is super important. Young people are some of the biggest consumers of fast fashion brands like H&M and Forever 21. Because of this, these corporations are more likely to listen to the student voice on these issues, which gives student significant amounts of power. As a student leader, finding ways for students to mobilize and use their voice effectively is always paramount. In my role as President, I encourage sustainable fashion by developing other student leaders to lead campaigns and host events that educate other students about fast fashion.”

What’s the problem with fast fashion?

“Fast fashion is a problem because it is a symptom of post-scarcity. We produce more than we need generally in society. The fashion industry is one, highly visible example of that. We buy clothes and throw them away when they are not “in” anymore. We have enough clothes to clothe the next few generations, and our priority should be on not making more than we need and not wasting thousands of pounds of clothing.”

How do you hope to see the fashion industry change?

“I hope to see us move into a future and space where people are buying clothes that will last them for decades and that they can continually repair and enjoy for years to come.”