A question I have been seeing a lot on our pages is: "Why should we shop at Goodwill when we can just get new items at the store for a similar price?" Well, I am here to address this. Read more to learn five reasons why you should shop secondhand:
1. It's Sustainable
We throw millions of pounds of clothing into landfills each year. According to Christina Dean, a writer for Fashion Revolution, the number of garments produced annually has more than doubled since 2000. Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned globally.
By shopping secondhand, we prevent good items from being wasted. Just this year so far, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes has diverted over 1.6 MILLION pounds of items from landfills and into our stores where they have the chance at a new life!
Additionally, buying used clothing and goods takes the pressure off retailers to produce new products. Over-production of clothing is a huge contributor to climate change and the pollution of our planet. Buy shopping secondhand, we can work toward breaking the cycle of overproduction.
2. It's Ethical
Do you ever wonder WHY that new outfit you are buying is so cheap? In order to sell their items at a low price, retailers in the fashion industry often use unethical production practices. Materials are sourced from industries that are destroying the planet, and items are put together in sweatshops where workers endure long hours, unsafe working conditions, and are paid next to nothing. Buying new from these companies supports them and allows for these unethical business practices to continue.
3. Secondhand Clothing Tends to be Better Quality
The main goal of fast fashion brands is to make cheap clothing as fast as they can. This attitude causes serious environmental, social, and economic problems. In addition, the quality of fast fashion clothing is what causes us, as individuals the most trouble.
Fast fashion clothing is made with cheap materials, stitched together in a matter of minutes, and designed to be out of style by next season. Fast fashion brands make poor quality, disposable clothes and accessories on purpose to keep people buying more.
The entire fast fashion business model is built upon selling cheap items by the billions at a low price. We’ve put together a list of the worst fast fashion companies of the world. Make sure to check if your favorite brand is among them!
If you look close enough, you can spot the signs of low-quality clothing already in the stores. You can even save money and time by buying a little more expensive, but better quality and longer lasing items. If you want to find quality items without breaking the bank, shopping secondhand is a great option! With a little searching, you can find well-made, gently used items at a fraction of the original cost.
4. It's Affordable
Why pay full price for clothing or goods when you can get the same quality product for less? It's difficult to even tell gently used clothes from new, so you can get quality clothing for less.
Some clothing items retain their value even after being worn. By purchasing secondhand clothes, you can benefit from their durability and quality while paying a fraction of the original price.
Finding great deals and discounts on clothing and accessories can be a thrill. It's satisfying to score high-quality items at a fraction of their original price.
5. Secondhand Shopping is Fun!
Secondhand stores tend to offer a wide variety of options. You can find unique pieces, vintage items, and even designer brands at significantly reduced prices compared to buying them new. You never know what hidden gems you may find!
Secondhand shopping also encourages creativity. You can mix and match different styles, experiment with new looks, and create unique outfits that reflect your individuality.
Secondhand stores often have a vibrant community of sellers and shoppers. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts, sharing stories about your finds, and even swapping fashion tips can create a sense of camaraderie and connection.
Helpful links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKPB0uW4cto
https://www.fashionrevolution.org/waste-is-it-really-in-fashion/