Did You Know? Many of Our Daily Choices Are Habits
A large part of what we do every day happens automatically, including many of our shopping habits.
Scrolling through an online shop, adding “just one more item” to the basket, or buying something new instead of repairing what we already have can quickly become routine.
This is why STC looks beyond simply sharing information about sustainability. Real change also means understanding and changing our habits.
Expert Talk
In this edition, we look back at the expert talk “From Textile Habit to Choice: The Neuroscience Behind Our Textile Consumption” by Mira Simantov.
Mira explored why shopping habits can be difficult to change and shared simple ways to build more sustainable routines
How Do Habits Form?
Habits often follow a simple pattern:
Cue → Action → Reward
Something triggers us, we act, and the result feels rewarding. When we repeat this often enough, the behaviour can become automatic.
Fashion Brands Know How Habits Work.
Fast-fashion platforms often encourage this cycle through:
New collections and “drops”
Discounts and limited-time offers
Notifications
Easy one-click purchases
These features can make shopping feel quick and rewarding.
Mira’s key message: instead of relying only on willpower, it can be more effective to change the habit itself.
“This is not about strength, determination, willpower, or skill… it is about biology, reward, and repetition.”
Mira Simantov
Three Simple Ways to Change a Habit
1. Notice the Trigger
What makes you want to shop?
Stress, boredom, a sale email, or simply scrolling online?
2. Start Small
Change one thing at a time: go one week without buying new clothes, reduce your textile budget, or choose second-hand.
3. Choose a Different Reward
Replace shopping with something else you enjoy, like meeting a friend, going for a walk, or doing something creative.
Try It This Week
Choose one shopping habit, notice what triggers it, and make one small change. Repeating small changes is what helps new habits stick.
Why This Matters for STC - Sustainable fashion is not just about knowledge; it is about turning that knowledge into action.
STC gives trainers, educators, consultants, and community leaders practical tools to help people build more sustainable habits and make more conscious textile choices.
Curious about becoming a Sustainable Textile Counselor?
