Responsible consumers are made, not born: a clothing secondhand market experience in two Spanish high schools

Abstract

This article presents the assessment of two educational secondhand clothing markets developed at two high schools in Albacete. One of them involved money and the other was based on barter, and both included an awareness-raising phase to promote responsible consumption. Although all students were involved, only those who organized the experience were surveyed (N = 40, 21 females). Data were gathered after the experience, in student´s regular classrooms. A qualitative methodology was used, combining focus groups and an open-ended questionnaire. Findings were similar in both groups: the experience was positively perceived, although there was an initial stigmatized preconception surrounding secondhand clothing; it also helped students learn and become aware of the environmental impact of clothing, making them reflect on their consumption habits and change them. Students also perceived some barriers to reducing their consumption. Thus, secondhand markets can be powerful educational tools to raise awareness and change behaviors toward more pro-sustainable choices.

Keywords:

• education for responsible consumption
• high school
• secondhand market
• clothing
• Grade 12
• SDG 12

Acknowledgments

This study has been carried out in the context of the collaboration agreement between the Provincial Council of Albacete and the University of Castilla-La Mancha, entitled “Promoción de la Agenda 21 Escolar - Horizonte 2030- y su difusión” (220176CONV). Special thanks to the teachers Ana, Raquel and Jose for their generosity, ideas and initiative within Agenda 21 Escolar, Horizonte 2030 project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).