For this conversation, I was accompanied by one of my close friends and a fellow enthusiast for shopping. The topics we discussed were diverse, ranging from the significant impact of COVID-19 on online shopping and content platforms to the ongoing challenges with online return methods in numerous name-brand companies. We also delved into potential solutions at both an individual and systemic level.
One concern I raised was about how the convenience of online shopping might potentially undermine the significance of supporting local companies. In preparation, I conducted research on the general trends in popularity among online fast fashion companies and explored the potential reasons behind their recent surges. As anticipated, the pandemic emerged as the primary influencer. Companies and the world at large adapted to the circumstances, finding little reason to revert to their previous ways.
The conversation gained momentum when we discussed the possibility that online shopping might not decelerate. We contemplated ways to mitigate the waste generated by returns, considering that many major companies dispose of returned products. My friend pointed out that there have been some unsuccessful attempts at redirecting returns to the next buyer, often due to hygiene concerns.
In the end, we concurred that this aspect represents just one facet of a much larger issue, with far-reaching implications for the environmental footprint of fast fashion companies. We both agreed that, on a personal level, there are lifestyle changes we can implement to reduce our own impact on this crisis.