Thrifting: Your Gateway to Feasible Fashion
Did you know fashion production comprises 10% of total global carbon emissions across the world? It dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year. Even washing clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfibres into the ocean each year, the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles. The impact of fast fashion exacerbates issues caused by the depletion of non-renewable sources, emission of greenhouse gases. According to the 2015 documentary The True Cost, the world consumes around 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year, 400% more than twenty years ago. To feed the fashion industry’s need for wood pulp to make fabrics like rayon, viscose and other fabrics, 70 million tons of trees are cut down each year. That number is expected to double by 2034, speeding deforestation in some of the world’s endangered forests!
Practicing sustainable fashion, which “fosters environmental integrity and social justice,” is the only antidote to such harmful practices as it includes strategies such as environment-friendly manufacturing, use of recycled or natural raw materials, zero-waste or plastic-free packaging.
So what can we do possibly to help sustain the environment. We can’t just stop wearing clothes. One possible strategy: THRIFTING. Thrifting is a sustainable clothing supply practice that reuses apparel, letting customers purchase it second-hand.
This generation is getting attracted to thrifting, maybe not just for the sustainability impact, but because it is also really cool and fun. Thrifted clothing is often sold at a lower price making high-end garments affordable and economically accessible. People discover really cool pieces of the past through thrifting stores and they can get their hands on stuff which is unique and has a history attached to it.
Another great benefit of thrifting is opportunity for personal expression and creativity. Unlike the traditional retail stores shopping which have the same collection for everyone, thrifting allows you to find stuff that can help cultivate your personal style. From vintage finds to one-of-a-kind treasures, thrifting offers a diverse range of clothing and accessories waiting to be discovered. The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finding a hidden gem are part of what makes thrifting such a rewarding experience for fashion enthusiasts.
Thrifting is more than just a new shopping trend. It embodies a more sustainable and ethical way of fashion. By choosing to thrift, consumers contribute to making a positive impact on the planet while also providing finding ways to express individuality and creativity. Social media platforms have also played a significant role in popularizing thrifting. Influencers, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts alike have embraced thrifting as a means of promoting sustainability and encouraging conscious consumerism. So why not join the thrifting revolution and make a difference with every outfit you slay?
