A Closer Look At The World Of Thrift
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SQUARESPACE
Thrifting is here, and it's officially for the masses, from more posh consignment boutiques to the fluorescently lit shops where rare finds are earned. There is an avenue for everyone. Thrifting is fun, and more importantly, it saves you some coins. However, there is another pull to second-hand shopping, the morality behind it. Now more than ever, people care about how their waste affects the environment. There is a sense of doing good by being a patron of these establishments, knowing that you have not contributed to manufacturing new garments and extending the life of existing apparel. With so many reasons for thrifting, let's explore second-hand shopping sustainability and its possible adverse effects.
The manufacturing of new apparel first starts with producing new textiles. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018, an estimated 17 million tons of material were fabricated. With 2.5 million tons being recycled and 11.3 million tons going to landfills in that same year. The Conscious Club reported in a 2019 article that textile production uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, representing 4% of the globe's freshwater. In addition to withdrawing the water, over 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles. Meaning not only is the resource being depleted, but it is also being polluted.
With the reality of purchasing new apparel and its consequences, it's easy to see why shopping second-hand is so prevalent. However, there is a draw in what seems to be the perfect solution. Thrifting at its core has always been for families and low-income individuals to buy their clothing needs. With an influx of higher-income shoppers frequenting these designated spots for customers who can't afford to go anywhere else, something needs to be said. The rich are taking from the poor, or more adequately phased. Those financially able are extracting assets from a group of people that rely on resources being there. Some take it further by upselling—acquiring unique and aesthetically pleasing pieces for cheap and flipping them for a profit when words like "vintage" or "retro" are thrown into the description. Yes, the wealthy have officially gentrified thrift, and some have built businesses off of it.
So now what? Since there is no perfect answer that checks all the boxes, should the economically steady take the tempting route of shopping conveniently and buying fast fashion, no. The beauty of sustainable living is it's a forever learning lifestyle where there is always room for growth. Consider companies that provide quality pieces that remain in your wardrobe for seasons to come. There has also been a rise in slow fashion brands that offer ethical and sustainable apparel. While there is no need to rebuke your favorite thrifting spots, be aware with your visits, you're affecting an ecosystem others can't afford to leave. That upselling has its merit in one being able to profit from items in their closet no longer worn or wanted, and how consignment thrift allows customers access to more expensive goods. Still, when low-costing pieces are removed from those in need for continuously lining the pockets of financially stable people, further evaluation is necessary.
