When thinking of ways we can help our environment for the better, things like recycling, reusing, and perhaps reducing our use of single use plastics come to mind. Many forget that a fantastic way to help the environment strive is buying second hand clothing, or more commonly called “thrifting.”
At places like Goodwill or Savers, people like us have the ability to donate unwanted, or unused clothing, where they are then sold at a discounted price. This makes shopping very affordable for those who cannot easily afford name brand clothing. About the start of every season, I try to gather a trash bag full of my clothes that I just do not wear as much and take up unwanted space in my closet. This is a great way to give back to your community, and you never know what you may find while shopping!
Not only are you saving the environment by thrifting but you are also saving so much money. Typically, on average, a tee shirt can go for about two to six dollars at a secondhand store, whereas buying a t-shirt at somewhere like Dicks Sporting Goods can retail anywhere from $15-$35! This affordability is one reason why thrifting has become so popular over the past few years
In Liv Major’s story, The Pros and Cons of Thrifting, she highlights how thrifting allows for individuality in style. Thrift stores are filled with a plethora of unique and vintage pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, making thrift shopping a fun experience. Each piece of clothing having its own backstory adds a layer of enticement and intrigue to your shopping experience. Nowadays, when referring to style, everyone looks the same! Constantly trying to fit into the new fashion trends can be exhausting and expensive. Picking thrifting over name brand clothing is sometimes better in the end for your wallet as well as the environment.
Many thrift stores like Goodwill and Savers donate a portion of their profit to local charities and positive organizations, looking to better the community. Knowing that when you purchase from one of those thrift stores, you have a small impact in the better of your community is something that one should value.
In the end, thrifting is about making a positive choice that not only betters the environment, because of the reduced amount of waste, but also saves you money in the long run, making it an empowering and rewarding experience. So, next time you are clearing out your closet, consider donating to a local second-hand clothing shop, and while you’re there, check out their stock because you never know what you will find!
