‘Underrated influencer’: 'GMA' meteorologist Ginger Zee inspires fans to take on viral 'no new clothes' challenge
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Good Morning America’ meteorologist Ginger Zee has a new environmental cause on her books to support. The 42-year-old has been on a ‘no new clothes’ challenge since June 2022 and has been going strong since.
The ‘GMA’ star recently took to Instagram to share an important update with her followers where she spoke about the perils of ‘fast fashion’ and how its apparent usage has now turned into a serious environmental problem.
Zee revealed that “Textile Waste” is now a concerning problem and the ability of Americans to buy new clothing consistently is slowly adding to this issue.
‘GMA’ meteorologist Ginger Zee raises awareness about ‘no new clothes’ challenge
The ‘GMA’ host addressed the burning issue of fast fashion in her new post, stating that social media today promotes a culture of using and getting away with clothes as quickly as possible for a new batch to settle in.
Zee started her post by calling out the evil that is social media. “Social media culture often promotes the consumption of fast fashion - I see the giant “hauls” and “best finds from xxx.”
However, Zee disclosed that she believes in the idea of ‘less is more.’ “To each their own but I want to keep counter-programming with the less is more idea.”
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Being a meteorologist and environmental activist, Zee never hesitates in calling out the trends that cause more harm to nature than good.
Speaking of fast clothing, Zee added, “Textile waste has become a serious problem around the world. Most of our clothing (more than 60%) is made from unnatural fibers that don’t break down easily (they are plastic).”
She continued, “According to the @epagov, Landfills received 11.3 million tons of MSW textiles in 2018. This was 7.7 percent of all MSW landfilled.”
Zee later mentioned that an average American buys more clothes than anyone but she’s happy to embrace the ‘no new clothes’ challenge and hopes to influence others to do so.
“And this comes from a place of privilege, sure, to even have a choice to not buy new clothing vs not being able to. But the average American buys 16 new clothing items every 3 months according to @remakeourworld! The impact on women(children) and our planet is large and still growing.”
She concluded, “I’m on month 16 of #nonewclothes and loving it!” Zee revealed in her clip that she will keep wearing her old clothes and that will be her “influence.”
Fans thank ‘GMA’ meteorologist Ginger Zee for ‘normalizing’ keeping old clothes
Many fans praised Zee for voicing their opinion and giving an active voice to many who want to keep their old clothes intact.
One fan wrote, “Thanks for normalizing keeping clothes, consignment, and thrifting!” A second said, “Omg I love this!! Every time I see something that I want to buy, I stop and think: When would I wear this? (I live in hospital scrubs). I ask myself “Do you really REALLY need this?”
A third added, “You keep going, girl!!! You've influenced me, and I'm sure countless others!! We can do better! Thanks for leading the way!”
Another said, “I’m going on month four now! Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve loved thrifting, and all my friends know I’m going to ask to borrow something if I need something specific.”
A fifth said, “I admire you for doing this. Hopefully you “influence” others to do the same!”
