How Companies Can Use Influencers to Promote Sustainability

In the digital world, trends come and go as quickly as they become popular. According to Oxford Dictionary, an influencer is a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service on social media. Individuals will blow up on TikTok and gain millions of followers in days. Influencers will drive trends and make things that were popular in an instant. 

With the world constantly watching them, influencers must be conscious of their every move. They must stand for what is right and use their platform for a positive impact. Fashion influencers are one of the main contributors to fashion trends. Emma Chamberlin, whom I mentioned in a previous blog, is arguably our generation’s most significant fashion icon. She has partnerships with Louis Vuitton and other high-class brands. 

Many influencers have partnerships with fast fashion brands such as Shein and PrettyLittleThing, where micro-influencers can apply online for an ambassador program. Ambassadors are sent massive packages of their products. As I scroll through TikTok, I watch as these influencers with my dream closet receive more clothes which I can assume they will barely wear.  As I scroll through these videos, I think, “How do they have room for all these clothes?” Fashion influencers are known for their closet and receive dozens of packages of more clothes. 

If influencers can promote unethical brands, why can’t influencers be used for a good cause? For influencers to make a change in the fashion world, they can begin to promote sustainable fashion, whether they do this through taking their followers thrift shopping or talking about their favorite sustainable brands. 

When influencers are given a platform where they can make a change, they must do so. Many influencers are caught up in the glamour of their new lives and need to consider the opportunity they are given. It comes down to education. Not only influencers but all consumers must be educated on the harmful effects of fast fashion. Many people must be aware of their favorite brands being unethical and how to shop sustainably. 

Since I do not have a platform to educate millions, I will still do what I can. I will continue to research and educate myself on how I can be sustainable. I will make a difference by continuing to shop second-hand, swapping clothes, and not buying into fast fashion.