Words- Robecca Leyden www.sanspareilonline.com
Thrifting has become rather trendy over the last 5 years or so. Most young people at least PARTLY shop vintage, regardless of their personal wealth.
Even major labels like Karen Walker, Moschino and Tommy Hilfiger have picked up on the revival of fashion form the later 80s early 90s. (Don't even get me started on what I thought about the Karen Walker mum-bum jeans - *shudders*).
1. Thrifting is good for the environment.
When you buy clothes that are second hand you're not only recycling that garment, you're recycling all the time, energy and materials that went into making it. You're using it all so it's one less new thing to be made.
Synthetic fibres such as polyester, use crude oil as well as all that energy. This means toxic chemicals, gasses and pest-asides.
2. Un-used clothes make up a big part of landfills.
Some facts about landfills
- Clothing and shoes make up around 12% of landfills. So think of allllllll the crap we have. From plastic to photos to cutlery to discarded car parts. 12% of that is HUGE.
- The UK produces around 1 million tonnes of textile waste per year. America is 13 million tonnes.
- The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothing a year.
Discarded clothing takes up so much space it’s unbelievable.
- It's cheap as heck!
I won't spend too much time on this because I know, that you know, what I’m saying. Buying clothes second hand is much, much cheaper than buying them new. Plus, every so often, you find that ultimate designer dress sitting in a thrift shop, and you get something amazing that otherwise you would struggle to pay for.
4. Fashion repeats itself.
Lets be honest here. Fashion repeats itself. We are literally in one giant spiral. Like now, 90s has been in for a few seasons and now the catwalks are heading towards a 70s revival. Instead of paying a couple of hundred for that sleek floor length casual dress, why not check out your local opportunity shop for one at a fraction of the price? Plus it's cooler to have something so original – it’s from the first time round!
Gwen in the 90s is my spirit animal.
- By buying from Thrift shops you're (usually) helping out local charities or small business.
My favourite thrift shop is down the road from my parent’s house and it supports the SPCA. I think that my charity of choice will always be animal based, and I love the fact that when I either donate or buy clothes – all proceeds go towards making the world a better place for our furry buddies out there.
