Yes, yes, yes. The people saying that thrifting contributes to overconsumption...what do they suggest we do with the clothing that is already out there? We currently have enough clothes on the planet to clothe the next six generations. Do we just let all of that go to waste? That would be insane. And yes, I buy fast-fashion garments from secondhand sources. Because what else do we do with these garments?
Thank you for this Sophie! I've seen a spate of articles that equate buying secondhand with overconsumption, but agree it's not the same between the displacement rate, the fact that the item's already been produced, and that it's keeping textiles in circulation. I understand the argument that if you're getting something shipped it contributes to carbon emissions, but it seems like this is still a lower footprint than clogging a landfill or waterway.
But how about buying secondhand items from fast fashion brands or secondhand items with the price tags on?
I think part of the problem is that on average we tend to wear our clothes only 7 times before we are bored with them and donate/sell them. If we wear out clothes more and buy less, hopefully there will be made less new. I'm always shocked at the items in store when I visit a big town, it looks like people are ALWAYS consuming.
I'm doing a low buy challenge to change my shopping habits and become more intentional with the items I buy. I try to look for items I will wear lots of times. For that reason I keep track of items I wear, to gain insight into that and make smart choices. I would love to one day only/mostly buy secondhand. My struggle is that I do find it hard to be satisfied with the pieces of clothing I already have and i'm always looking at which items I will add next. So for me there is still enough room to improve!!
Yes, yes, yes. The people saying that thrifting contributes to overconsumption...what do they suggest we do with the clothing that is already out there? We currently have enough clothes on the planet to clothe the next six generations. Do we just let all of that go to waste? That would be insane. And yes, I buy fast-fashion garments from secondhand sources. Because what else do we do with these garments?
Thank you for this Sophie! I've seen a spate of articles that equate buying secondhand with overconsumption, but agree it's not the same between the displacement rate, the fact that the item's already been produced, and that it's keeping textiles in circulation. I understand the argument that if you're getting something shipped it contributes to carbon emissions, but it seems like this is still a lower footprint than clogging a landfill or waterway.
That's true!
But how about buying secondhand items from fast fashion brands or secondhand items with the price tags on?
I think part of the problem is that on average we tend to wear our clothes only 7 times before we are bored with them and donate/sell them. If we wear out clothes more and buy less, hopefully there will be made less new. I'm always shocked at the items in store when I visit a big town, it looks like people are ALWAYS consuming.
I'm doing a low buy challenge to change my shopping habits and become more intentional with the items I buy. I try to look for items I will wear lots of times. For that reason I keep track of items I wear, to gain insight into that and make smart choices. I would love to one day only/mostly buy secondhand. My struggle is that I do find it hard to be satisfied with the pieces of clothing I already have and i'm always looking at which items I will add next. So for me there is still enough room to improve!!
The argument that thrifting is contributing to overconsumption is ridiculous, as you say, the clothes already exist! Thrifting in person:
1. Supports local charities and locally owned businesses.
2. Keeps clothes from going to landfill.
3. Yields better quality clothing, more unique pieces, and can be drastically cheaper than new.
If you still buy new, you are part of the problem. Look for secondhand versions, even with tags still on!
And I’m not perfect; I still buy a new thing here or there, but I’m 95% used/thrifted/consignment. It can be done!