Thrifting 101
Content includes:
- Thrifting Definition
- Sustainable choices
- Benefits of making sustainable choices
- Shop links
Definition:
Thrift, second hand and previously loved are some of the words used to describe the re-selling of used clothes. The way I define thrifting is that it is a way of shopping that allows one to avoid being wasteful, it means being mindful of the environmental effects of fast shopping. I am sure you can think of more than five shops that sell fast fashion which has been proven to be detrimental to the environment, some don’t care to offer ethical working conditions to their workers. It is important now more than ever to know who is making your clothes and how they are treated. Don’t be misled into believing that everything is rosy in the fashion industry.
What is fast fashion you ask?
- Mass production of cheap clothing at high speed
- Price is low but the effect on the environment is extremely high
- Buying more clothing than you need
- Cheap labour costs
Sustainable Mindset
Having a sustainable mindset allows one to do their part for the planet. Emma Watson said it best when she stated that, “As consumers, we have so much power to change the world just by being careful in what we buy. ”
Fashion and textiles are the second-largest polluters in the world. In the past couple of months, I have been motivated to educate and help expand the knowledge I have learnt regarding the topic of sustainable fashion with a focus on thrifting. In my books, thrifting is a double whammy by protecting both your wallet and the planet. If you haven’t asked your self what the hell is going on with fashion you probably should.
Why I made the decision to start thrifting?
I was first introduced to thrifting by a very good friend of mine in 2014 as a student at the time I was excited about the monetary benefits this form of shopping had, totally disregarding the environmental benefits it has. I remember going to Mellville. Johannesburg on a Saturday morning and that trip completely changed my life, I was against buying ‘Dead’ people’s clothing but now it has become my norm believe it or not.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was underpaid to make the garments I wear, that the working conditions which this person was forced to work under were inhuman, that the environment was being impacted negatively. Being silent and not doing the necessary research made me feel like I am part of the problem.
Over the past two years, it hasn’t been easy to completely quit my habit of shopping blindly – but I have comfortably reached a point where I think before I shop – responsible, I want to be accountable to you as my readers by telling you that I am on a journey to creating positive change – my overconsumption of clothes has had me feeling uncomfortable. I have learnt that as peoples, we need to show an intention to buy and consume sustainable fashion which comes in many forms not only thrifting.
Three of the Benefits of thrifting
- Unique style
- Environmentally friendly
- You won’t question the value chain and whether the ethos is ethical
- Serving your community
- Timeless pieces
Fashionable and environmentally conscious, Coexist, Minimalistic approach, Stick within your budget see example from Falleria
Here’s more reason why thrifting is something you should consider
- Less pollution.
- Less clothing in landfills.
- Less resources wasted and used to make these items – exploitation of natural resources.
- There is no indignity in the manner in which the clothes are sources.
- Little to no significant impact on climate change.
Financial benefits of thrifting
Unbeknownst to you – you are saving the environment and getting quality for a few rands. Many of the items I own from my very first thrifting spree have lasted 5+ years and are still in exceptional condition. I really want to stop buying for the sake of buying and be more conscious. Think about the kind of world do you want to emerge into after this word pandemic is over?
I urge you to start considering the impact of your purchases as it goes way beyond the retail cost of a product. In the meantime, if you are not already following our page on Instagram – please go check out our sustainable fashion brand. We will have relaunched and our focus is the utterly style-obsessed, minimalistic, unique, graceful individual. We sell pre-loved clothing, upcycled and reworked garments.
Thank you so much for making it till the end of this post.
XO
Full-Time Life Enjoyer
