We have all fallen to the microtrends before – whether it be cow print, ultra-baggy jeans, or the 2019 VSCO phase you relentlessly deny. Fast fashion and micro trends have fueled a dizzying pace in the fashion industry, pushing consumers to frequently refresh their wardrobes to keep up with the latest fleeting styles. Yet, amidst this world where clothes are seen as disposable, it is time to rethink how we value what already exists in the world of fashion. Instead of constantly chasing the new, thrifting promotes a more sustainable approach to style – one that is good for our wallet, communities, and planet.
The benefits of thrifting extend beyond personal savings or finding the perfect vintage piece. Thrifting is critical in addressing the environmental devastation caused by the fashion industry, which remains one of the world’s largest polluters. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and consumes an estimated 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, enough to sustain five million people. The growth of secondhand shopping reflects a broader cultural shift towards sustainability. Choosing to thrift actively combats the cycle of waste by not only extending the life of these garments but also lessening the environmental cost of manufacturing new clothes.
According to ThredUp, an online marketplace for buying used clothing, shopping secondhand instead of new clothing can reduce a person’s carbon footprint by up to 82%, primarily due to a decrease in emissions from production, transportation, and disposal. The process of manufacturing new clothing is incredibly resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of water, chemicals, and energy.
Thrifting has the remarkable ability to alleviate some of the most damaging environmental consequences of fast fashion. For example, the fashion industry is notorious for using synthetic fibers like polyester, which is derived from petroleum. These fibers are not biodegradable and contribute significantly to the accumulation of microplastics in the oceans. When you buy secondhand, you are virtually pulling garments out of circulation that would otherwise end up in landfills, reducing the pressure to produce another polyester garment. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a significant supporter of the circular economy, around 60% of the clothes that are thrown away contain synthetic materials, which release microplastics when washed, further contaminating our waterways and environment overall.
One of the biggest misconceptions about thrifting is that it keeps you from staying on top of current fashion trends. Many people assume that secondhand shopping results in outdated styles, but the reality is that fashion is inherently circular. Styles considered fashionable today are most likely mirrors from past decades, whether in the form of oversized silhouettes reminiscent of the 1990s street style or the styles of low-rise jeans and baby tees that are considered fashionable today. However, brands ranging from outdoor retailers to luxury labels are increasingly embracing and encouraging secondhand shopping as part of their business model. Patagonia, for example, has long championed sustainability with its “Worn Wear” platform, encouraging customers to buy, sell, and trade used gear, extending the lifespan of its products and reducing waste.
Similarly, Gucci has partnered with the resale platform The RealReal to offer authenticated pre-owned items, making luxury fashion more sustainable. This collaboration not only allows customers to access rare, vintage pieces but also reflects Gucci’s commitment to circular fashion by giving garments a second life. Regardless of your style, buying secondhand offers a wide variety of pieces to match your personal style while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.
Even if environmental impact isn’t at the top of your list, thrift stores offer a tangible way to contribute to causes that benefit both individuals and communities. Many thrift stores operate as nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives. The Aspen Thrift Shop, for example, donates a large portion of its proceeds as grants to local organizations in the Roaring Fork Valley.
By choosing secondhand, you’re helping to reduce the environmental toll of fast fashion, cutting down on waste, conserving resources, and minimizing the demand for new garment production. Thrifting not only provides an opportunity to elevate your personal style but also an accessible opportunity to invest in the betterment of our planet, extending from local communities to global environmental issues. I urge you to join me in prioritizing secondhand shopping. The demand for environmental responsibility increases with each passing day, and while thrifting may seem like a small measure, it is an attainable and effective action toward confronting a much larger environmental crisis.