‘I’m not buying new stuff any more’: the young people getting into ‘degrowth’

Amid the cost of living crisis and threats to the climate, many are pledging to consume less and spend sustainably

• Are young people poised to slam the brake on endless economic growth?

I've always been a charity shop girl," says Rosie Coltman, a 32-year-old teacher from Leicestershire.

In recent years, she has shifted from fast fashion towards renting and repairing clothes, or buying secondhand or higher-quality items. She has bought a waxed Barbour jacket that, while more expensive in the short term, she hopes will be cheaper overall due to its durability. For a friend's wedding, she hired a black Ganni dress for 50 from the app By Rotation. She also batch-cooks food to avoid waste, and prioritises buying from ethical and sustainable companies.