Thrifting and Sustainability: Save More Than Money

Thrift stores help you save more than money. Thrifting and sustainability work together. Thrift shopping is an eco-friendly practice everyone can get in on.

“I’m gonna pop some tags, only got twenty dollars in my pocket.” ~ Macklemore

Macklemore released the song “Thrift Shop” in 2012. It had a catchy beat. Macklemore talked about cheap prices, great steals, and the joy of thrift shopping. Who knew his words would still be with us today?

Thrift shops are a wonderful way to upcycle clothing and other items. They include stores like Goodwill, Savers, and Salvation Army. Thrift shops save money and are eco-friendly.

Online Shopping and Carbon Footprints

Online shopping has increased over the last year. This increase has largely been caused by the recent coronavirus pandemic. Online shopping is definitely convenient. However, online shopping creates a large carbon footprint due to unsustainable shipping practices.

For example, the trucks used to make deliveries are predominantly powered by fossil fuels. This includes diesel. Packages may travel on multiple trucks before arriving at your doorstep. This causes more fuels to be released into the atmosphere.

Also, shipped products are wrapped in many layers of protective packaging. This creates large amounts of plastic waste. The paper boxes they are sent in are usually not recycled properly . For example, they may be thrown into the trash instead of recycled.

Thrifting Benefits

Thrift shopping has many benefits. These benefits are both personal and global. Here are the top four thrifting benefits.

1. Save Money

True Activist states most clothing items sold at resale are at least half-off. Thrift shops are a great place to find designer brands at a huge discount.

2. Find Hidden Treasures

Thrift stores are full of upcycled clothing. Most thrift stores receive new clothing donations daily. Thrift stores will help you find a unique wardrobe piece you will love.

3. Help Your Community

Thrift stores often support their local communities. One example of this is the Salvation Army. It donates all profits to its charity work. Your money is used to help the community instead of industries supporting pollution.

4. Live Sustainably

Thrift shopping reduces waste and carbon footprints. Unused clothing does not go to landfills. Instead, it is recycled and sold again.

Thrifting means less clothing is made in factories. This reduces greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and wasted energy. In addition, water is saved. Making one pair of jeans requires 1,800 gallons of water!

Conclusion

Thrifting is fun and eco-friendly. You can save money and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. This is great to remember the next time you are about to shop online. You might find something you like better thrifting anyway!

Remember, you can donate your used clothes to a thrift store. This will also help members of your community find clothing at a great price!

Sources:
For more information on how to do right by the plant check out these links.

Carbon Costs Online
Resonsible Cheap Fashion
Thrifiting is Good Heres Why

Pledge to bring your own reusable container to pack leftovers and start making a difference today!

Written by Morgan Swain