Sustainability and You
/Sustainability is seemingly on everyone’s mind. As more and more youth flock to thrift stores - what else can we consider while buying secondhand?
image: depositphotos.com
In recent years, there has been a shift in favour of affordable, sustainable fashion. Thrifting has become a treasure hunt for people who don’t want or have the means to purchase clothing from expensive brand names. Finding a pre-loved brand name shirt that would cost $50 in a store for $4.99 at a consignment is a win for both the environment and the shoppers’ pockets. However, where does the ethics of thrifting fall short? Can we tweak our habits to be more conscious shoppers?
Understand that sustainable brands exist.
Thrifting isn’t the only option if you’re interested in fashion outside of used clothing. Brands like tentree. , Amour Vert and OrganicBasics are a few of many sustainable, eco-conscious brands that offer varying styles. Purchasing basic, classic staples from eco-conscious brands will ensure that you are keeping your carbon footprint small. Avoid buying trendy items from fast fashion brands, as these will more than likely end up in a landfill.
In an interview conducted by zerowastebystander.com, thrift store owner Meag had this to say about keeping sustainable fashion in mind:
Rubber, leather and textiles make up about 9-10% of municipal solid waste in the USA according to EPA estimates. That means the average American throws out 80-ish pounds of clothes every year. It’s gross. Looking up the stats will blow your mind – it definitely made me look at my consumption & what I choose to throw away vs. donate differently.
Be mindful of the community.
If you can go without a winter coat, consider leaving items you already own for people who may need them, or buy in off-seasons. Purchasing your fifth winter coat from a thrift store in January isn’t keeping sustainable to the people in need in your community. Try to remember that other people also are in need of these clothes, potentially more-so than yourself. Leah Wise, an advocate for sustainable fashion, sums up popular misconceptions on how we as a community can be mindful when thrifting.
I’ve heard the argument, “well, homeless people will wear it” from a variety of donors over the years. And that’s problematic for a few reasons: Practically speaking, homeless people need clothing that is durable and in especially good condition because housing insecurity means they have fewer options to avoid difficult weather and living conditions. It does NOTHING for a person’s dignity to tell them they are stuck wearing the clothes no one else was willing to wear or buy. (Leah on GreenDreamer’s Podcast)
Thrifting is not inherently wrong or morally reprehensible, but it can be when you are not being mindful of the people around you. Buying for personal use and buying for the purpose of reselling should all be prefaced with the notion of community well-being in mind. That is the spirit of thrift, after all.
Cassidy Shea
Cassidy is a second year student in Algonquin College's Professional Writing Program. Her interests include fashion, activism, and digital art. Passionate to work in a field that directly helps people. If you're looking for a debate or a gaming partner look no further.
