How to Shop Sustainably
Photo by Unsplash
Are you considering buying that one $50 shirt because you saw it on social media, only to throw it out in two months because it’s no longer a trend? Don’t give in! According to Earth.Org, “In America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste – equivalent to 85 percent of all textiles – end up in landfills on a yearly basis.” There are other sustainable ways to shop without spending a paycheck, whether you’re looking for something similar to that piece of clothing or not.
One way to shop more sustainably is thrifting. Thrift stores like Goodwill are non-profit organizations whose clothing prices range from three to eight dollars a piece. This is significantly less expensive than other clothing stores, and has become more popular recently. There are also many other second-hand stores that offer similar or the same prices such as Savers, Salvation Army, and more. A lot of times, these stores carry brand-new and more recent pieces, so don’t limit yourself just because it seems like they only sell old-fashioned clothing. Aside from sustainability, thrifting offers what feels like higher quality compared to the average teenage clothing store and for much cheaper as well.
Thrifting online is also another way to shop sustainably. On platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and Vinted, you can get clothing second-hand and often for a reasonable price. This method of thrifting also allows you to find more specific pieces of clothing that you may not always have luck finding in a regular thrift store, like a pair of vintage Juicy sweatpants.
Another option for mindful shopping is to upcycle your clothing. Repurposing old clothing is not only more sustainable, but it’s also another way to get creative with old items instead of discarding them. This method allows you to save money while also refreshing your wardrobe. At the same time, it can open the door to a new and exciting hobby worth exploring!
Being more mindful while shopping can also help your sustainability journey as well. Next time you go shopping, ask yourself if you need the item or if you have something similar to it because oftentimes, not only is the piece of clothing purchased not worth the money, it’s not worth the waste.
