Why Shopping Secondhand Is Good for the Environment
A Dress for Success Honolulu volunteer with items donated for the Monthly Benefit Clothing Sale.
There are lots of reasons to love shopping secondhand, from the thrill of a good vintage find to the more wallet-friendly prices of most thrift stores. But there's a lot more behind the recent spike in secondhand shopping than just a renewed interest in '90s clothing—it's also better for the planet. As climate change continues to take its toll on the natural world, more and more consumers are turning to secondhand shopping as a means of seeking out sustainability in fashion.
Scenes from our Monthly Benefit Clothing Sale, with stylish secondhand shopping scores.
Environmentally Friendly Fashion
The fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of humanity's carbon emissions. When you upcycle clothing, you're reducing demand for mass-produced textiles. Reduced demand, in turn, leads to a decrease in the waste produced by the manufacturing process, not to mention the fuel and energy used to transport the finished products to retailers.
The fashion industry also produces an astonishing amount of waste. 85% of the clothes we throw away end up being dumped in landfills or burned. And since many modern textiles are produced using synthetic plastic fibers, they aren't biodegradable. By opting for secondhand or vintage clothing, you're keeping those items out of landfills.
Those same synthetic materials (such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic fabrics) release tiny plastic particles called microplastics when they're made as well as when they're washed or worn. These microplastics are becoming nearly ubiquitous in the natural world, including in our food chain and water sources. Thrift shopping offers an opportunity to reduce the amount of synthetic materials used in the manufacturing process. Plus, especially when shopping for vintage items, you're more likely to come across older, eco-friendly clothing items that are made with natural fibers.
Staff and volunteers at the sale.
YWCA O‘ahu is on a mission to empower women, promote peace, and eliminate racism. As one of over 300 nationwide communities, YWCA O‘ahu is committed to creating opportunities for women and girls. Programs such as Dress for Success, the MBDA Enterprising Women of Color Business Center, and our community-based furlough program are designed to give women the resources, expertise, and support they need to be able to thrive and make a difference. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, contact us today or consider donating to support our work!