July 10, 2022 / by FMP
Filed Under: Uncategorized
Thrift shopping, a pastime once favored during times of economic recession, is making a comeback. Though it may seem like an antiquated activity, thrift shoppingcan be both fun and economical.
The economy’s current state and the rise of fast fashion have contributed to the resurgence of interest in thrift shopping. In a time when people are more mindful of their spending, thrift shopping allows you to save money on clothing and other items.
What is Thrift Shopping?
Have you ever explored a flea market, garage sale, or consignment shop? If so, then you’ve already participated in thrift shopping! It is the art of diving into a pool of unique, interesting, and sometimes strange items someone else no nger wants or needs.
The best part is that thrift shopping is usually very affordable.
Though it may seem like you’re only getting secondhand items that someone else doesn’t want, thrift shopping is fun and exciting. A certain thrill comes with the hunt, and you never know what you will find.
What are the Benefits of Thrift Shopping?
Thrift shopping has several advantages, both for your wallet and the environment.
Recycle
Do you like the idea of recycling? Well, thrift shopping is the perfect way to do your part in reducing clothing waste and gradually transitioning to zero waste.
In America alone, we generate about 16 million tons of textile waste each year, most of which end up in landfills. Imagine the number of toxic chemicals seeping into the ground because of all those clothes!
But when you thrift shop, you’re giving clothes a second life and keeping them out of landfills. You could transform the secondhand sweater you got for $15 into a one-of-a-kind piece that people will inquire about where you got.
Thrift & Reduce
The average person throws away about 81 pounds of clothes every year. That’s how much an 11-year-old weighs!!!
Much of the clothing we get rid of is still in perfect condition. It’s estimated that Americans only wear about 20% of the clothes in their closet.
Thrift shopping assists in reducing the number of clothes you buy and, as a result, the number of clothes you throw away.
Besides clear money-saving and environment-saving benefits, thrift shopping reduces the clutter in your life. Too much stuff can weigh you down, both physically and mentally.
Reuse
Another important benefit of thrift shopping is that you reuse an item instead of buying something new.
Your wallet, living trees, and breathing fish will thank you!
The production of new clothing uses many resources, including water and energy.
It takes about 700 gallons of water to make just one t-shirt!
When you buy secondhand, you are reusing previously used resources. And, if you find a perfect fit for your favorite pair of jeans, you don’t have to use any water at all!
Thrift Shopping & Save
It is probably the most obvious benefit of thrift shopping. Especially during recessionary times, like the one we are facing now, saving money is crucial.
But even if we weren’t in a recession, who doesn’t like to save money?
You can save about 90% by thrift shopping instead of buying new. New clothes are often marked up significantly for apparent reasons. The bummer is that, as consumers, we are used to paying these high prices.
We have become conditioned to think that clothes are supposed to be expensive.
But, when you start thrift shopping, you realize that clothes can be affordable and that you don’t have to shell out a lot to be fashion-forward.
Zero Waste
It’s no wonder the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It’s especially true when you think about the dyeing, washing, and packaging processes that go into making new clothes.
Chemical, paper, textile, and energy waste are all produced during clothing manufacturing.
Thrift shopping doesn’t require new resources, so there is zero waste.
You are minimizing the pollution caused by the fashion industry.
Want to learn more about landfills? Check out our past blog: Modern Landfill Overview
Thrift Shopping & Fast Fashion
What you wore last year is probably not in style this year. In fact, what you wore last month might not even be in style this month.
The fashion industry is continually churning out new styles, and we as consumers are expected to keep up. No wonder the average person spends about $161 a month on clothes.
But, when you thrift shop, you are immune to the pressures of fast fashion. You can swap your clothes as often as possible without breaking the bank.
Tips for Thrifting
It’s justified to want to pick the best of the best when you thrift shop. After all, who wants to buy someone else’s trash? But doesn’t everything look worth buying when it’s cheap?
These valuable tips will help you sift through the racks and come out with only the best secondhand finds:
Know What You’re Looking For
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when walking into a thrift store. There are racks and racks of fashionable clothes, and it can be tempting to just start picking things up willy-nilly.
But, if you go into a store with no idea what you’re looking for, you’ll probably end up leaving with a bunch of clothes you don’t need.
Thoroughly Inspect Each Item
Once you’ve found something you like, take a close look at it. Check for stains, holes, and other signs of wear and tear. You don’t want to end up with something that will fall apart after one-time use.
Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle
If you like a pricey item, don’t be scared to drive a hard bargain. Most thrift stores are open to negotiation, and you might be able to get the item for a lower price.
Conclusion
Say aye for a zero waste, recession-proof, fast fashion-defying lifestyle – thrift shopping!
It is about time we all started giving secondhand clothes a chance. Who knows, you might just end up loving it. And, what if you luckily find a signed edition of your favorite book from a famous author? What if your style icon has worn the piece of clothing you picked? The possibilities are endless!
Don’t want to leave home? You can thrift shop online! Try the ever popular Thred Up!
So, go ahead and start thrifting. Who knows what you might find?
