Is Thrifting Really Worth It?
Image taken at a Vintage Shop
Between overconsumption, overflowing landfills, and the impacts of fast fashion, the fashion industry has become a major contributor to the global sustainability crisis. In recent years, sustainability has become a top priority for many consumers, but it begs the question: what are we truly doing to take action? Secondhand shopping offers a practical way for individuals to reduce their environmental footprint while also saving money. Here’s a look at why thrifting is a powerful and choice for everyone.
Courtesy of EcoWatch
Reduces Waste
Reducing waste is an incentive to bettering the environment. This hobby helps keep clothing and accessories out of landfills. The fashion industry is a leading contributor to waste, with millions of tons of textiles discarded each year. By buying secondhand, the life of garments are lengthened and reduce waste.
Lowers Demand of New Production
By consumers buying secondhand the demand for new clothes decreases. This helps lessen the production of textiles, which is resource-intensive and often harmful to the environment due to water, energy, and chemicals. These resources are often harmful to the environment making thrifting a sustainable alternative to buying ‘new’ clothes.
3. Supports a Circular Economy
Thrifting endorses a circular economy by recirculating goods, encouraging people to donate or sell items they no longer need rather than disposing them. This reuse cycle is more sustainable and lessens environmental impact. There are a multitude of benefits to a circular economy beyond the recirculation of goods. This model of production tackles issues such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and can even create jobs directly benefiting communities.
4. Cuts Down on Pollution
Secondhand shopping reduces the carbon footprint of fashion. The production of new clothes generates pollution, considerably through water contamination from dyeing and the process of synthetic fabrics that releases microplastics. By thrifting, we can help cut down on these pollutants.
Manufacturing new clothes requires huge amounts of water, especially for cotton, and energy. According to Fairplanet.org, fast fashion is responsible for the use of 93 billion cubic meters of water annually. Shopping secondhand conserves these resources, reducing the environmental footprint associated with clothing production.
In short, thrifting is absolutely worth it! It offers numerous benefits that can improve the environment and transform consumer habits. And remember, thrifting isn’t exclusive to clothing- furniture, glassware, toys, and more are often waiting to be discovered at your local thrift store.
