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How is Thrift Shopping Kind to Our Earth?
For a long time, thrift shopping has been viewed negatively when, in reality, there are numerous benefits. Thrift shopping is for everyone. At times, others would judge people for choosing to buy and wear second-hand clothes, due to the quality or cleanliness of the clothing. There is an easy solution for that—put it in the washing machine!
Thrift shopping is another friend to the Earth, due to its environmental benefits. Clothes that are no longer being used can pile up easily in dumpsters, on the street, or other parts of nature. In short, these clothes end up where they should not be. So, to prevent nature being the next best option, thrift stores or donation centers, such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army, have sprung up across the country. Shopping at these locations prevents unused clothes, which often are in decent condition, from piling up all over our planet and rehoused into closets, ready to be used again. The various benefits of thrift shopping outweigh any stigmas.
Reduces Waste
An average American throws out 60-80 pounds of used clothing in a lifetime. Choosing to go thrift shopping reduces waste significantly, since fewer clothes will need to be produced. Less clothing means fewer textiles and fabrics will end up in enormous piles in a landfill. Fashion trends may come and go, often far too quickly for the planet. So, thrift shopping allows us to recycle and reuse clothing, instead of turning it into waste.
Conserves Our Oceans and Water Usage
Our entire planet is covered with beautiful oceans and some fabrics, such as polyester, do not decompose in water. These textiles and fabrics will stay intact—damaging, hurting, or even killing the natural wildlife from the Pacific to the Mediterranean. To produce clothing, it can require multiple gallons of water for even a single t-shirt. By producing less clothing, the quality of our oceans and water usage can be conserved.
Decreases Air Pollution
Large factories all over the world are producing clothing at rapid rates, and, with it, large increases in air pollution. Yes, the fashion industry is not the only contributor, but they account for at least 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. An excessive amount of carbon emissions from this type of pollution can lead to climate change and increased health issues, such as severe respiratory conditions. Therefore, choosing to shop at any resale shops for second-hand clothes reduces environmental abuse, since it helps reduce the overproduction of clothes and slows down any “fast fashion.”
Where to Start Thrift Shopping?
If thrift shopping is new to you, it is easy to start. Nowadays, there are numerous online thrift shops and approximately 25,000 traditional thrift stores all over the country. There are many choices—you just need to pick one! Keep in mind, a shopper can also slow down “fast fashion” by choosing to donate clothes. This is another way to contribute to the thrifting industry. Below are some options to get you started for buying and donating:
Depop
Depop is an international online thrift store with its headquarters in London. Depop has an efficient app available for iPhones and Androids, so one can thrift easily in the palm of their hands. The application is user-friendly since it allows the user to browse accounts quickly and easily—just imagine that you're looking through your friends' closets that have some cool clothes. Depop’s app also has an easy-to-use search tool where you can search for specific items to reduce time in browsing.
ThredUp
ThredUp is an online thrift and consignment shop that is all about sustainability. They have processed over 100 million pieces of clothing, from over 35,000 different types of brands. They believe in a “circular fashion cycle” that motivates its consumers to donate, sell, and purchase directly through their website and app. On their website, they state: “We’ve made it our job to educate consumers and bring awareness to the global fashion crisis.” ThredUp is passionate about modernizing the world of thrifting and moving forward by practicing more sustainable fashion.
Tip: ThredUp offers a “Clean Out Kit” option that makes donating clothes a breeze. Simply order a free kit, and clean out your closet of unwanted clothes. Return the bag with the prepaid shipping label and ThredUp will sort through your clothes and list them for sale. It is a great way to quickly donate old clothes and earn cash towards new (to you) ones!
Thrifted
Thrifted is another online vintage store, known most for its retro and alternative styles from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90’s. Their mission is against fast fashion and actively practicing circular fashion, which extends the life of great clothing. Thrifted selects every item based on its quality and style. Although they are based in London, they provide worldwide shipping. Thrifted also uses Klarna, a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option that allows Thrifted shoppers to pay for their purchase in installments.
TheThriftShopper.Com
TheThriftShopper.com is a handy website to help you find your local thrift store! If you want a specific piece of clothing right away and you want to purchase from an actual shop, this can help you find the closest one to your home. While we are still living in a pandemic, it is best to contact the store you’d like to visit to ensure they are open and if there are any specific COVID-19 restrictions in place.
Local Austin Thrift Shops
A female, Black-owned business, “the goal for Thrifted Feels is to increase the value of local products, to prolong the lifecycle of materials, to increase the value of timeless garments, to reduce the amount of waste and to reduce the harm to the environment.” Check out their Conscious studio collection with avocado-dyed pieces, in collaboration with LuvFats Ice Cream.
Instagram: @thriftedfeels
Charm School Vintage
Charm School is drawn to garments with a story, with a passion for 1970’s and ‘30’s fashion, and Victorian era lace, crochet, beading and fringe. They also carry a wide variety of handmade apothecary products, independent jewelry designers and ethically sourced crystals.
1111 E 11th St #150, Austin, TX 78702
Instagram: @charmschoolvintage
With two locations in Austin, this boutique shop sells gently used and new items, with all net proceeds supporting the animals and programs at Austin Pets Alive!
Instagram: @austinpetsalivethrift
A truly thrifty, thrift store. Treasure City is working towards zero waste by throwing away as little as possible, supporting local initiatives and giving away unsold items every month at their Really Really Free Market.
2142 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
An upscale boutique that selects like-new or new designer and fashion items.
3005 S Lamar Blvd #110-A, Austin, TX 78704
A family-owned indie business, opened in 1994, Blue Velvet Vintage is a great source for affordable and amazingvintage clothing for men and women.
217 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
With multiple stores throughout Texas and the southern United States, Texas Thrift is focused on providing unique, quality, gently used merchandise at prices far below retail.
5319 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78723
Opened in 1981 in an old pharmacy, Room Service Vintage is home to a massive selection of furniture from the 1950-70’s. You will also find a huge variety of clothing, jewelry, kitchen and barware, records, and more.
117 N Loop Blvd E, Austin, TX 78751
Instagram: @roomservicevintage
A female-owned business, Revival Vintage is dedicated to being Austin's interior design and style destination! You’ll find a variety of hand-picked home design, ranging from vintage to modern home furnishing.
5201 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Instagram: @shop.revival.atx
A great place to find vintage, funky home decor and furniture.
1500 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Instagram: @faroutatx
First launched as an Etsy shop, Passport Vintage opened in Austin in 2016 and is now home to a variety of ‘60s through ‘90s style.
2217 S 1st St A, Austin, TX 78704
Instagram: @passportvintage
Prototype Vintage
A women-owned business on popular S. Congress Ave, Prototype is your place for bright colors and progressive designs. Prototype Vintage also offers styling for events, music festivals, and more.
1700 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Instagram: @prototypevintage
A thrift store with a wide variety of home goods, vintage records, clothing and jewelry, 100% of proceeds benefit people living with HIV/AIDS in Austin through the work of Project Transitions.
4902 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
Instagram: @topdrawerthriftstore
How to Thrift Shop Effectively
Now that you know where to thrift shop, there are ways to do it efficiently. Thrift stores and resale shops can be seen as treasure troves, since they are great places to browse and discover all types of fashion. But again, this can take a lot of time. If you are in the mood for hours of shopping, that’s great! If not, entering a thrift shop might feel overwhelming, but don’t let that deter you. Here are a few tips and tricks for thrift shopping, especially if it is new to you:
Ask Yourself What You’re Looking For
If you have a specific type of clothing you are looking for, then this will help you. Asking yourself exactly what you are looking for works for all types of shopping, but even more so when entering a thrift shop where there is an endless mixture of shirts, pants, purses, shoes, and so much more. Thrift shops are usually organized by clothing type, so this will help you navigate when walking around the store.
Take Your Time
Overall, thrifting takes time since it does require more digging or searching. If you are looking for an item of clothing that is very specific, then you may take more time or require driving to other resale shops. You can make a day out of thrifting with your friends, or even as a fun date!
Thrift for Other Things Besides Clothing
Keep in mind that thrift shopping does not only mean clothing but also, furniture, books, and home goods. You can save a lot of money on pricier items by customizing (and even modernizing!) to your preference. Thrifting for all types of items certainly helps save our planet!
Check Out Consignment Shops, Too!
Consignment shops are thrift shops that are curated. Therefore, store owners take the time to choose what they sell in the shop. You most likely can find more designer brands and high-end products in these shops. They are also known to be pricier than a regular thrift store, but if you’re looking for rare or even specific designers, a consignment shop could be the best place to start!
Join the positive movement of sustainable living through thrift shopping. Reduce, reuse, and recycle by shopping at second-hand shops. Earth Day is celebrated in April and is a great month to recognize how we can be more kind to our planet. Another person's trash can certainly be another person’s treasure.
