Thrifting is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to shop. What many people do not know is that your thrifting addiction at the thrift stores in Destin, FL may also earn you extra cash.
Hundreds of items are donated to thrift stores every day. Sometimes these unwanted items turn out to be valuable ones.
THRIFT STORE FINDS WORTH MONEY
Pyrex
When you are walking down the dishware aisle at your local thrift store, look out for Pyrex. This is a brand of dishware that is prized by many. People love Pyrex because of its durability and longevity.
The most valuable kind of Pyrex is the vintage ones. The vintage pieces are made of borosilicate glass, not soda-lime glass. Some vintage pieces of Pyrex can sell for as much as $300. For the most valuable pieces, look for Pyrex dishware that was made from 1915 to the late 1970s.
Trading cards
Did you know that those trading cards you collected as a kid may be worth thousands of dollars? You heard that right. Some trading cards, like Pokemon and baseball cards, are selling for high prices because of how rare they are.
Le Creuset
Another valuable kind of dishware that you can find in thrift stores is Le Creuset. This kind of dishware is considered to be valuable because of its quality. It is made from high-quality enamel, and it does not chip or age over time.
If you find this kind of dishware in your thrift store, you hit the lottery. The average price of a new 5.5 quart Le Creuset oven costs $370. You can check out your favorite thrift store and find one for half the price.
First-edition books
If you are a book collector, you might want to give your retail bookstore a break and head to a thrift store. You will be surprised to know that you can find books that are worth a pretty penny and add value to your book collection.
For example, a first edition Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone sold for more than $80,000. When thrifting for valuable books, look for books that are the first edition. Then, check out how many copies were published.
Film cameras
A picture is worth a thousand words, and some vintage cameras are worth hundreds of dollars. On your next thrifting trip, check out the selection of film cameras. Some film cameras are worth hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
There is really no gift that demonstrates how much you love your mother. However, we will still spend time and money to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift that shows how much she means to us.
Get inspired to find the ideal gift by checking out the history behind Mother’s Day and some thriftable gift ideas.
THE HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAY
Believe it or not, Mother’s Day has not always been celebrated. The start of this day began in the early 1900s. The idea of creating a day to honor mothers was brought up by Anna Jarvis. She started a campaign in 1905 to make this an official holiday.
Throughout the years, the news of this holiday spread across the U.S. However, It was not until 1914 that this day was declared an official holiday by President Woodrow Wilson.
He declared the second Sunday in May to be Mother’s Day. Now it is celebrated worldwide and dedicated to showing mother’s some gratitude with flowers, cards and gifts.
THRIFTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS
A special frame
All of our pictures and videos are now stored in phones. You probably have thousands of images, but you never really do much with them. Instead of posting a picture of you and your mom on Facebook this year, frame it and gift it. You can head to your favorite thrift shop in Destin, FL and buy a frame that matches your mom’s taste.
Sparkly earrings
Does your mother brighten up your world? Give her a pair of earrings that match her personality. Thrift stores have various vintage earrings in stores and online that are a fraction of the cost.
They have all types of earrings from dangling earrings, hooped earrings to diamond studs that will complete anyone’s outfits
Thoughtful watches
Sure, smartwatches are very popular right now. But nothing beats the look and feel of a vintage watch. These watches never go out of style, are durable, functional and make a statement on any wrist.
If you want a timeless and vintage watch on a budget, head to a thrift store. These stores carry a wide range of women’s functional watches.
Designer handbags
You may not be able to repay your mother for everything she has done, but a designer handbag is a good place to start. Handbags make exceptional gifts for moms on the go because they are functional, stylish and will last for many years.
Sunglasses
Another great gift for the mom on the go is a pair of sunglasses. It is a gift that will get plenty of use no matter where she might live. Plus, there are vintage styles that will transcend decades.
Got a budget? No worries, thrift stores carry a lot of designer sunglasses in great conditions for less than retail stores.
Cookware
Do you have a mom who’s always trying new recipes? Give her a practical gift for the kitchen that she can use while creating new dishes.
There are a variety of gift ideas to choose from, like Pyrex, cast skillet, bowls, dishes and pots. Head to your favorite thrift store to find all these high-quality kitchen items at a reasonable price.
A statement necklace
There is one gift idea that you can never go wrong with on Mother’s Day – a necklace. You can make that gift even more special by thrifting one.
Thrift stores carry high-quality necklaces that fit any style. Who knows, you might even be able to find a necklace that your mother has always been looking for?
FIVE BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING
Spring has sprung! The warm weather is inspiring people to spring clean their homes and redecorate for the change of the season. Transitioning your home’s decor for spring can be hefty on your wallet.
The good news is that there are low-cost ways to update your home for the spring. Refresh your home for the spring with these tips.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING
Add natural light
Kick the winter blues to the curb with some natural light. Letting in more natural light into a room can boost your mood and make it look bigger. How do you add more light into a room without having to add a window?
Let more light in by updating your window treatments and adding mirrors. Swap those dark and thick curtains for lighter ones. Then, add a mirror or two into a room to help reflect more natural light into the dark spaces.
Splash some color
From the flowers outdoors to colorful baskets at the store, you tend to see lots of color in the spring. This does not mean you need to repaint your entire house. You can splash some color through home decor.
You can incorporate your favorite spring colors in throw pillows, colorful glassware and even change your artwork. Save some money by buying these items secondhand at one of the best thrift store in Destin, FL.
Upcycle old furniture
Do you have old furniture that is taking up space in your garage or shed? Instead of tossing it to the dumpster, upcycle it. Upcycling is transforming an unused item into something reusable.
Give that old piece of furniture a new purpose by getting creative. You can flip unused dressers into desks or kitchen carts. If you do not have old furniture to flip, visit a thrift store for vintage and low-cost furniture.
Include greenery
Outdoors, the grass is getting green, and the flowers are blooming. You can bring those spring elements into your home with some house plants. Certain plants can even refresh your home’s air.
If you are looking to save some money on plants, thrift your pots. Thrift stores carry a wide variety of items that can be repurposed as pots. For example, tea cups and baskets can be reused as pots for your plants.
Create an outdoor space
As the weather starts to get warmer, you might want to spend more time outdoors. Do not let your outdoor space go unused. Expand your living space by adding outdoor seating.
Patio furniture can be expensive, but thrift stores carry a wide variety of secondhand patio furniture. One trick to making different pieces of outdoor furniture look more cohesive is by repainting them.
Three Reasons Why Thrifting is the Best Way to Shop
What if you could find the nicest brands for shockingly low prices in a way that not only benefits you, but your entire community? Well guess what, you can. Thrifting is the best way to shop as it is sustainable, cheap and gives back to your community.
One way thrifting is the best, is through its sustainability. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing per year, this means that around 26 billion pounds of clothing ends up in landfills.
One can dramatically reduce this number through the recycling and reusing of clothing, also known as thrifting. By purchasing clothing at second-hand shops, people are able to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, helping both themselves and the environment.
When someone recycles their clothing, they are limiting the amount of natural resources it takes to create new fabric, make the clothing and then ship it hundreds of miles to the sellers.
They not only gain a stylish clothing option, but keep the item out of landfill circulation. Even when the clothing piece is no longer your style, the item can be donated to another eco-friendly shopper. As well as being kind to the environment, thrifting is also kind to our wallets.
Most thrift shops in Santa Rosa Beach, FL offer extremely low prices, especially in comparison to name brand or newer pieces of clothing. Thrifting is a great way to find one’s favorite brands for a fraction of the price, while still getting a great quality product.
According to Carolyn Schneider, author of The Ultimate Consignment & Thrift Store Guide, thrift stores usually markdown products by about 50%-80% percent, and sometimes even sell bundles, giving certain clothing items away for free.
Not only will one have a stylish new outfit, but will have a newfound confidence in their bargain hunting skills. Along with being kind to one’s wallet, most thrift stores are good for the community as well.
Most thrift shops not only filter in donations but give them out as well. According to goodwill.com, Goodwill donates nearly $1 million dollars a year of free merchandise to people in need and other independent organizations.
In 2018, Goodwill was given an A-plus rating in community service, which is the highest in the country for nonprofit organizations. Thrifting also gives money to local shops which filters the money right back into one’s community.
Thrifting also helps one know their clothes a bit better, most of them being locally sourced, rather than being shipped from halfway across the country.
All in all, thrifting is one of the best ways to shop. It allows you to find the perfect pieces of clothing in a cheap, eco-friendly and generous way.
The months where you can make it out the door in a t-shirt and jeans is almost over. The winter months are around the corner bringing colder weather and snow.
Keeping yourself and family warm this winter is a critical step for their health. Being outdoors without proper winter gear can result in frostbite, hypothermia and heart problems.
It is important to buy proper winter clothing to avoid getting ill. The problem is that buying a whole new wardrobe for winter can be expensive. That is why one of the thrift stores wants to share a few tips on how to create a budget-friendly winter wardrobe.
LAYER UP
A smart way to stay warm this winter is by layering up. Wearing layers daily can help you stay warm when commuting to work, school or shopping. You can wear three kinds of layers to stay cozy – the base, middle and outer layers.
For the bottom layer, wear long sleeve shirts that can be worn with another layer. The middle layer can consist of sweaters, vests and blazers that help you retain the heat in your body. While on the outer layer, you want to wear a winter coat, scarves and hats that keep the rain and wind off of you.
CHOOSE A VERSATILE SHOE
Cold weather does not occur all year long. Why should you have to buy multiple pairs of shoes for the winter? Save some cash and splurge on one pair of high quality winter boots. Buy a pair of shoes that works for both the snowy and rainy weather. Look for classic pairs of boots that you can wear through the years. Thrift stores offer a great selection of high quality boots at affordable prices.
BUY A TIMELESS WINTER COAT
Coats are an expensive part of any winter wardrobe. Many people can spend between $100 to $200 on winter coats at retail stores. To save money, it is important to find a winter coat that will look good no matter the trend. You do not want to splurge on a coat that you will only wear one season. Instead find a classic looking coat that you can wear every single year.
CHOOSE A WARM WINTER HAT
If you are one of those people whose ears get cold easily, you need a hat. Hats can protect your ears from the chilly weather and harsh winds. Instead of choosing a cotton hat, opt for ones made out of fleece, wool, shearling and faux fur to stay warm. These kinds of hats will last you longer and can be found at Independence thrift stores for lower prices.
THRIFT INSTEAD OF PAYING FULL PRICE
A smart way to avoid the expensive winter gear prices is by thrifting. Thrift stores in Santa Rosa Beach, FL have a full stock of winter gear for the whole family at a fraction of the cost at retail stores. You find about everything you need for the oldest and youngest in the house.
No matter where you live or what you do, it’s always a good feeling to have a community’s support behind you. Community is an inherent part of our human nature; we are pack animals, after all. All healthy societies have members who share the same goal: to support each other to improve their respective neighborhoods.
There are so many ways to strengthen your community, but many of them require a significant investment of time or money to really make a difference.
On the other hand, activities such as thrift shopping can help your community in both passive and active ways. Thrifting is a fantastic way to do your part for the people around you while getting something for yourself in the process.
In this article, let’s go through some of the different ways thrifting helps your community to show you how much good you can do while simply shopping for things you already needed to buy.
Good for the Environment
Perhaps the factor that affects everyone in a community equally, thrifting is a very useful way to reuse and recycle old clothing that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Clothing is surprisingly durable, and most doesn’t break down quickly or easily in the earth, meaning that it can harm the soil and contribute to environmental degradation.
By donating to a thrift shop instead of throwing out old clothing, you prevent excessive waste from ruining your community’s environment. We all need to do our part for the environment—for both our local and global communities—if we’d like to combat the effects of climate change.
Reduces Trash
Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful sectors that exist? We generate millions of tons of textile waste every year from perfectly reusable and recyclable clothing and fabric. That doesn’t even include the amount of waste that the industry itself creates when it makes those clothes.
On top of all that, the textile industry also uses an immense amount of water to keep up with the demand for new clothes. If you want to help your community and others all over the world, you can start by decreasing the need for new clothing by thrift shopping. It takes many people to facilitate lasting change in this regard, but every step counts.
Money Goes To Where It’s Needed
Of all the different ways thrifting helps your community, perhaps the most practical benefit is that it puts your money where it can be the most useful. The way this works for some thrift stores is that they purchase clothing and other items from donation charities.
Each of these charities receives their donations from communities just like yours and then sells them to thrift stores. The money we pay to the charities helps them carry out their mission and do their important work. It’s a win-win all around.
Local charities receive money for their cause, we receive great items that we can put on display in our stores, and you get the ability to purchase these items for a much lower price than you would have otherwise.
Gives Options for Lower-Income Families
Keeping the thrifting lifestyle alive is one of the best ways you can help lower-income families in your community. Thrift stores are popular places for those with lower income to frequent because they can more easily find affordable clothing, furniture, and other household items they need.
Keeping your local thrift stores alive through your own shopping, regardless of your financial situation, can prevent expensive retail stores from coming in and reducing the options available to these families.
Retail fashion chains have a bad habit of pushing thrift stores out of the way as they expand, and as we said above, they can be terrible for the environment and the community.
By choosing to shop at thrift stores instead of these chains, you save money, get a wider selection, and keep the option of thrifting around for those who may need it more than you do.
Keeps People Connected
Thrifting isn’t just a way to get nice and cheap clothing or home goods. Thrifting is a way of life! It has a community of its own that is willing and waiting to welcome new members all the time. There’s nothing like walking into a thrift store that feels like yours because you go there often enough to know the community members that work in and frequent it.
Walking into the thrift store in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is a great way to make personal connections you otherwise wouldn’t have. Enjoy talking to your fellow thrift shoppers. Maybe even exchange a few tips for finding the perfect item.
You know those bumper stickers that read, “I break for yard sales”? Well, mine says, “I break for thrift stores.” And I do. Over the past three decades, I’ve thrift-shopped my way across the Midwest, Northeast, and from L.A. to Seattle.
Thankfully, I’m too picky to be a hoarder. I buy only what I need or what I know I can sell for a profit online. And though every secondhand store is unique, there’s a standard set of items I’m always on the lookout for.
Here are some things you, too, should always buy at thrift stores.
Where I live, high-quality used jeans sell for $7.99-$12.99 a pair. And though that may seem high for “pre-loved” denim, consider this: According to Statista, a consumer market research company, the average retail price of women’s jeans was $165 in 2018.
Think all thrift store jeans are junk? Think again. There are loads of high-quality clothes in thrift stores if you know what to look for — which I outline in “11 Secrets to Finding Quality Clothing at Thrift Shops.”
Tools
Tools are go-items at thrift stores and something I always buy at estate sales. I’m not talking about circular saws and welding torches here, just basic tools everyone should have.
Since much of what gets donated is older, it’s easy to find used tools that are well-made and proven by years of dedicated service.
Look for genuine made-in-America stuff, like your parents or grandparents had. And don’t let a little surface rust discourage you. With just the slightest TLC, most old tools can go for another generation or two.
Totes, trays and baskets
Sure, Amazon sells countless products to organize your home. But, again: Why pay retail?
Canvas totes are always on my shopping list. They’re handy for stowing items in the trunk of my car, packing for an overnight trip, and shopping at garage sales and flea markets.
Trays and baskets are my other go-to storage items. Trays are perfect for displaying cologne, organizing TV remotes or storing craft supplies. Use baskets to store pet supplies, winter gear and bath towels.
Holiday decorations
Psst: When you pay less for holiday decorations, you’ll have more money to spend on gifts.
Over the years, I’ve built a handsome collection of handmade Christmas tree ornaments — all purchased at thrift shops for about 50 cents apiece.
And, like clockwork every year, I find a box of brand-new holiday greeting cards for a dollar or two. (Sorry, retailers, but spending $6 to $12 a box just doesn’t work for me.)
But why stop there? Thrift stores sell artificial trees, tree skirts, wreaths and wrapping paper. Best of all, when you buy from charity-related shops, you’re directing your dollars toward worthy causes. And that’s a good idea every season of the year.
Art and craft supplies
Thrift stores offer limitless options for artists and crafters.
Besides old canvases that can be painted over, I look for vintage photographs, wallpaper samples, fabric, yarn, pottery and silverware.
With a little inspiration, nearly everything in a thrift shop can be reimagined and repurposed. And since the raw materials are so inexpensive, you can let your creative spirit run wild.
Dishware
I’ll say it loud and proud: “I buy all my dishes at thrift stores.” Sure, nothing matches in the strictest sense, but that’s part of the fun.
Creative designers make an art form of setting tables with highly curated “mismatched” sets of dinnerware. You can copy this great look for pennies at a thrift store. Here’s how:
I choose a main color family (classic whites and creams) and an accent color (navy blue). Next, I let my creativity take over, buying interesting pieces that fit within my chosen palette.
Every plate, bowl, cup and saucer is different, yet it all works together. When a cup breaks, I pick up a used, unique replacement. Stress level? Zero. Cost? Practically zero.
Perfume
Though I’m not a big fan of perfume, many of my friends and family are. It’s a treat to find a bottle of Burberry or Dior mixed in with thrift stores’ standard fare of Avon and Charlie.
And it happens more often than you might think. Most major department stores donate their perfume testers. Look for the telltale missing cap.
The best part? Many thrift shops aren’t familiar with high-end fragrance brands. Some bottles sell for $3 or $4 apiece.
One-of-a-kind items
I’m always on the lookout for the weird and wonderful.
Kids’ pinch pots with wild glazes, threadbare silk rugs, a stack of black and white snapshots — these one-of-a-kind items make our homes unique. And they can all be found in thrift stores.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon a hand-painted image of a sleeping dog. It’s primitive but done with such care that I couldn’t pass it up. Today, that $4 find is one of my most treasured possessions.
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
I’ve been around thrifting all my life. Growing up, my mom never passed up a sweet deal from the secondhand store. She taught me to thrift shamelessly, and be proud of what I’ve been able to snag.
Now that I’m older, I’ve become very diligent in making sure that the majority of clothing and household items are obtained secondhand. Whether it’s from a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL, online marketplace, family member, yard sale, or picked up off the side of the road, it’s safe to say that the vast majority of stuff is pre-loved.
But one of the most important things I’ve learned about thrifting is that it’s so much more than just saving money. There are several reasons why buying secondhand is the way to go, from the impact it has on the environment to the impact it has on your local community.
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
1. LESS CLOTHING IN LANDFILLS
The U.S. alone throws out roughly 10 million tons of clothing each year, which can sit in landfills for up to 200 years. Donating used items drastically reduces waste, while buying secondhand helps to reduce demand.
2. LESS WATER CONSUMPTION
It takes approximately 2,700 gallons of water to produce a single cotton shirt, which is enough for one person to drink in 2 1/2 years. Cotton production places stress on surrounding ecosystems and requires the use of harmful pesticides.
PERSONAL IMPACT
3. CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Thrifting gives the opportunity to find some pretty fun and funky stuff. And because it’s less of a price commitment, there’s more wiggle room to pick and choose what trends and looks you want to try out.
4. ALL THE NOSTALGIA
If modern fashion isn’t really your thing, or you’re just looking to take a trip down Memory Lane, buying secondhand allows you to explore products from various different decades
5. THE HUNT FOR “BURIED TREASURE”
When thrifting, you never know what you’re gonna come across. There could be something super valuable tucked deep within a shelf or jammed between clothing racks just waiting to be discovered.
Why Wearing Secondhand Clothing Is One of the Best Eco-Friendly Actions You Can Take
The world’s landfills are already overflowing, but we still have to buy items—from clothing and decor to furniture and home improvement items. Thrifting is one of the best ways to lighten your impact as a consumer.
Every purchase you make supports ideals, practices, and companies. By thrifting, you make a vote for sustainability, fair working conditions, good prices, and great style.
For the Planet
While your clothing choices may seem innocuous and simple, what you choose to wear affects more than how you look in the mirror.
The fashion industry produces 10 percent of all humanity’s carbon emissions, is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply, and pollutes the oceans with microplastics.
The clothing supply chain, much like other consumer goods, can be a vicious cycle of excess production and mismanaged waste.
That’s why shopping ethically is so important. While there are some amazing brands that care about the environment and their workers, it can be hard to navigate fashion standards and expensive to shop new. According to Fast Company, “In 2018, 40 percent of consumers couldn’t name a socially responsible company.
29 percent admitted doing no homework to determine which companies were socially responsible. Those who did research were most likely to rely on product packaging to evaluate whether a company was doing good work.”
Insert thrifting. Buying secondhand is by far the most sustainable choice you can make. When you purchase items that already exist, less finite resources are needed. Thrifting also delays existing clothes and other products from ending up in the landfill.
For the People
Working conditions of fast fashion companies are often dismal, such as cases of sexual harassment and poor safety measures. Research from Remake estimates that 80 percent of garment workers around the world are women between the ages of 18 and 24 (many even younger), often earning less than $3 per day. These women find themselves simultaneously locked into poverty and dependent on the little wages they do earn.
Beyond the production process, treating raw materials can be hazardous not only for the end consumer, but especially for the worker. Pesticides, such as for high-volume, high-risk crops like cotton, can easily seep into our skin (which happens to be our largest organ). Leather goods have a history of being particularly hazardous, with the tanning process putting workers at a much greater risk of cancer.
On the other hand, thrift stores are often local small businesses, which boost economies and support communities. Fair wage enforcement is much easier because of local government oversight. Plus, the health risks of secondhand clothing and other items is much lower—even for synthetic fabrics and non-organic natural fibers—because the item has often been aired out and pre-washed.
Many thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL even have a social good component. They hires and trains workers who face barriers to employment. Proceeds from Salvation Army Family Stores support centers for people struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction. This nonprofit revenue has a real impact on people living near these stores.
For the Savings
Zero-waste advocate Bea Johnson makes a good point about our current consumer culture: “Disposability is a modern concept, something that was invented by the manufacturers and their powerful marketers out of financial greed. They promise us time savings in our life, so we can be more productive, but don’t the products that they sell rather hinder efficiency? They need to be bought, discarded. What a waste of time and money!”
Clothes and home goods can be pricey, especially when you shop with transparent brands with air-tight supply chains. Make your wardrobe budget stretch farther by shopping secondhand. Every brand, size, style, and color under the sun can be thrifted. Shopping vintage or visiting a curated thrift shop may make a dent in your wallet, but the average thrift trip has cute finds at a fraction of the price.
For the Style
It can be intimidating to dig into the world of thrifting. Bloggers make it look so easy to pull off that thrift-store-ironic-chic style, meanwhile you either look like your 8-year-old self or a grandma. The good news is, it gets better with practice. The more you thrift, the easier it is to scan the racks and check all the best corners of the store or app. You can find some truly unique pieces when you shop secondhand, but you can also snag trendy items at a discounted price if that’s your vibe.
We see it, we like it, we want it. In our world where the ‘new’ and trendy are a thing, buying second hand fashion has received a little bit of hype.
Due to the growing popularity of sustainable fashion, buying second hand from thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL has become increasingly mainstream. Aside from being trendy and looking ‘cool’, there are several benefits to buying second hand fashion.
Here they are:
1. Wallet speaks first
This is probably the most obvious advantage of buying fashion second hand. You can find your favorite brands and designer items second hand at a lower price.
This is simply because they have previously been worn by someone else and/or are no longer used by the previous owner. The wallet then speaks: you can access the latest trends or go back in time without risking to bump into fast fashion.
2. Reduced textile waste
Besides being one of the most polluting industries globally, the fashion industry is also one of the most wasteful; where 85% of textile waste ends up in landfills (according to World Wear Projects).
Moreover, estimates by the Ellen McArthur Foundation suggest that just less than 1% of used clothing is recycled into new garments.
3. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
The fashion industry contributes to 10% of the world’s carbon emissions each year (according to statistics published by the UNEP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
For example, buying just one brand new white cotton shirt can generate the same amount of emissions as driving a car for 35 miles, according to Oxfam. By purchasing second hand instead of purchasing brand new clothing, you can help to minimise the growth of carbon emissions!
4. Saved water
The production process for our clothes requires a lot of water. By a lot we mean it takes 2,700 litres to make a cotton t-shirt (assessment by World Wildlife Fund) and 10,000 litres of water to make a single pair of jeans! (Statistics by the United Nations). Yes, that is A LOT of water and these are just a couple of examples.
If more of us recycle and reuse second hand clothing, the water used for the production of clothing can be repurposed. For example, it can be used to provide more drinking water instead of ending up as industrial waste!
5. Where did you find that again?
We have to admit, it can be a little awkward when you come across somebody wearing the EXACT same clothing item as you. Buying second hand can prevent this problem! Because it is from a previous season or a different decade, chances are that you will not find someone wearing the exact same item that you have found second hand.
From rare pieces by your favorite brands to sought-after vintage gems, you will surely find a unique piece that complements your personal style!
6. Old trends are new trends
We all know that fashion trends come and go. Fashion that was once considered to be out-of-date is suddenly trendy again. Old school fashion trends such as wide-leg jeans or those oversized shoulder pad blazers that were very popular in the 80s (for example) have suddenly made a comeback today. Chances are, you can find trendy items second hand!
7. Better quality
As time has gone by, the perceived consumer value for clothing has declined over the last 15 years. The quality of fashion has gone downhill or is not the same as it was previously.
The popularity of low-cost fast fashion in the late 90s and early 2000s is partially responsible for this. Fast fashion retailers began to replicate design elements from designer brands and produced them cheaply and fast.
Therefore, it is possible that sometimes, older or vintage items can hold better quality. Second hand fashion is often sold in good enough condition for continued wear, which already proves that it has stood the test of time.
Steve Clark 