You may have come to this blog because you are already knee-deep in piles at the Goodwill bins, swatting away other humans as you battle dust and the scent of mothballs to discover something unique and, hopefully, intact. On the other hand, maybe you are more the mall type, preferring your fashion escapades be simple, well-organized and reliable. The prospect of scouring stores to maybe find what you need does not appeal to you in the slightest.
I'm here today to write an appeal to you to consider shifting to a more sustainable method of shopping for clothing, as well as any items you may need for your home. I will share my tips for making the secondhand experience a good one, so you're not leaving in utter frustration, vowing never to return again. If you're like me and already thrift-addicted this will just be validating in such a way that it completes you like this mod 60s clutch completes this look.
I doubt I have to draw your attention to the fact the earth is dying. Finding broad stroke ways to impact the health of the planet is not really in the cards for most of us, but we can make little changes that contribute over time to reducing waste and conspicuous consumption. Capitalism is a beast that has addicted us to consumerism and fast fashion, but the human cost can be great. Sustainability (in clothing), in a nutshell looks at how well a product was made, using what materials, by whom and how were they treated/compensated and where does said product end up.
That mall dress you wore one time which ripped open after you tried to wash it and ended up at the dump would be on one end of the spectrum of earth friendly and a well-constructed 1920's cocktail frock with metal sequins that you keep and hand down to your child falls way down on the other end. Thrifting allows us to score those keepsake items, and at the same time, if you truly love the Forever21 striped, crop top you can also get that secondhand. There is a ton of modern clothing at the thrift.
By buying from resale, you avoid funneling cash to companies that have predatory business practices, low employee compensation, or who demonstrate a laissez-faire attitude towards the planet's demise. You may also be supporting a worthy cause. Goodwill trains people with disabilities on job skills, the Salvation Army provides shelter for people experiencing homelessness, and many mom and pop thrift shops fund public/private mission-driven entities.
Other vintage resellers (like moi) are small businesses that need your support to survive. The big box conglomerates will get their money, regardless. And as we see public sentiment focus more on sustainable businesses, they will have to follow suit even if just to protect their bottom line.
Ok, hopefully the motivation is welling up inside of you. But there may be that still small voice that whispers of the overwhelm of all those racks. Here's what to do.
1. Go in well-nourished and with a plan. If you need jeans go straight there and judge later if you have enough energy to browse. Even us seasoned thrifters can feel lightheaded after a good romp in the Salvation Army store.
2. Try every piece of clothing on and inspect, inspect, inspect. Some rips, stains and odors do not "show" until you get all up in something. If you're buying decor or furniture that is light enough, cart it around with you to test it's durability.
3. Have google image at the ready. It can help you assess whether something is priced fairly, is actually valuable, and if all the pieces are present.
4. Know your sales days so you can grab an extra discount.
There are a bevy of reasons to switch to secondhand shopping, but sustainability may be the most crucial. Our discarded clothing ends up, most often, in huge dumps abroad and contributes to pollution that most directly impacts our most under-resourced communities. There is truly only one Earth and there may only be one 1950's butterscotch Crosley Model MR-100 radio left in the world.
Or, at least, only one that will be donated to your neighborhood Goodwill.
