The VSCO girl trend may seem like a distant memory, a moment of high school culture that feels like it belongs in 2019, but it is more than the aesthetic of oversized T-shirts, scrunchies, and Hydro Flasks. The VSCO girls were not just a viral social media movement—they were advocates for environmental change. In a world that seems increasingly consumed by climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, it is time society looks up to the VSCO girls and the positive impact they had in their time.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the VSCO girl trend was their focus on sustainability. While the aesthetic might have seemed trivial to some, the movement’s core message was clear: take care of the planet. VSCO girls were some of the earliest influencers to bring awareness to environmental issues, popularizing reusable straws and encouraging the use of water bottles like Hydro Flasks, helping reduce single-use plastic. More than that, VSCO girls played a key role in raising awareness about the importance of protecting marine life. Emily Dinh, a freshman at CHS, shared her thoughts.
“Honestly I didn’t really get the trend,” Dinh said. “I mainly heard about how they were big on environmental issues. Personally I think that their message was impactful and able to reach a lot of people.”
At a time when the plastic straw ban was gaining traction, VSCO girls were vocal advocates for change. They made a connection between plastic waste and its detrimental effects on marine life. The hashtag #SaveTheTurtles became a rallying cry that sparked a global movement, with millions of people joining the cause. Despite the trend becoming a subject to ridicule and bullying, VSCO girls continued to push for change.
The truth is, people need more influential figures like the VSCO girls today. Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is an urgent crisis. The planet is facing extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and devastating loss of biodiversity. Every action counts, and VSCO girls were one of the early groups to make a tangible difference. They were the original influencers, not just in terms of fashion or beauty, but in making real change. However, their efforts were often dismissed or mocked as trivial, eventually leading to the decline of the trend. Yet, their impact on the environment is undeniable. It is crucial to remember that those who try to make a difference, especially in the face of adversity, should be celebrated, not ridiculed.
People today should encourage movements like the VSCO girls rather than dismissing them. Young people need to stand up and continue fighting for the planet, especially when climate change is worsening. It is not enough to just post on social media or carry a reusable water bottle—advocating for action is necessary. The VSCO girls were more than just a trend. They were the embodiment of how a small group of individuals could start a ripple effect that turned into a wave of change. With young individuals’ influence, society can bring back this wave and ride it out.
