One of the most important lessons we can glean from the environmental movement is to ‘think globally and act locally’.
– Mike Love
Do you go antiquing or enjoy a good find at a thrift store? If you already shop there, go you! If you haven’t, you should totally go. There are some gems you can find there guys! I love finding clothes at the thrift store, especially jeans. They’re cheaper, worn in, and uber comfy.
I know when switching to a more sustainable way of life, my clothes were the last thing on my mind. I have never been much of a clothes shopper (I still have some things from high school), but have always loved a good deal. Buying second hand does just that AND it prevents clothes from ending up in the landfill.
Why We Should Buy Secondhand
Many companies encourage a trend known as fast fashion. This is a problem because it causes people to buy and throw out clothes sooner than they may need to be. Over the past 20 years our textile trash has doubled. In the US alone, 21 billion pounds of textiles end up in the bump each year. This is due to fast fashion, people not fixing their clothes, and buying cheap clothing that wears out faster. We’re in an age where people are buying more for cheaper, but if you follow the life of that article of clothing, you’ll see it’s probably not sustainable, good for you, or safe for the workers making it.
Prepare Yourself
Thrift stores aren’t dusty, dirty items piled up. Yes, something may have a little flaw, but it can be fixed! Even Justin says he can grab a needle and thread to fix small sewing imperfections. So go in with an open mind with what you’ll find. It’s a magical place!
You should also go in knowing what you want. There are so many things at secondhand stores, it can get overwhelming! Things are usually sorted by gender and size, so you’ve got to go digging in. But it’s a beautiful thing because you can find great quality items for dollars and you’re preventing that item from going to a landfill while also saving resources in making a new item.
Inspect & Try On
I think I’ve only been to one secondhand store that has a fitting room. To counter this, wear a tight fighting shirt and leggings so you can pull on the clothes you’re wanting to buy and making sure they look like you want. Most places won’t let you return things.
Secondhand items have their own uniqueness and personality, but make sure to double check them for stains, a loose hem, etc. I’ve bought a kid’s shirt with a stain, spot treated it, washed it, and it came out. I’ve also done it and it hasn’t came out.
Look for the Discounts
Many thrift stores will do some sort of sale because they get so many items. Fill a bag for $5 or this colored tag 50% today. You can get some really great items for cheap! I can get that excitement from shopping and getting a great deal on the things while also breaking the cycle of waste.
Have fun!
Do you enjoy thrifting? I hope you’re able to go and have a positive experience. I’ve found my kids snow suits, rain coats, and even a balance bike at secondhand stores for a fraction of what they normally cost. It’s so exciting! It’s like a little scavenger hunt going in.
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