Life Matters - Full program podcast
Life Matters - Full program podcast
ABC Australia
The secret to a sustainable wardrobe and why shopping simulators exist
55 minutes Posted Jun 22, 2026 at 11:00 pm.
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Show notes
The average wardrobe contains about 199 pieces of clothing, according to research published last year. Among them are usually a couple of items that rarely see the light of day. Fashion researcher Alicja Kuźmycz and podcaster Clare Press explore how increasing the wearability of what's already in your wardrobe can unlock the secret to sustainability.
Researchers in Canada have scoured some of the most popular skincare content and found TikToks that discourage sunscreen use attract higher engagement. While Australia has strict rules on what brands and influencers can say about these products, social media is borderless and hard to regulate. So how does the average consumer know what to put in their cart?
Online shopping has become so addictive that people are simulating the process through "dopamine sites" where users can browse, buy and track virtual orders. Consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison explains why adding to cart gives us a little rush — even when there's no money or actual product involved.