Day Dreaming In the Thrift Store
In a perfect world where the money for sustainable and ethical clothing was unlimited, workers were getting paid livable wages, clothing didn’t end up in landfills, and textiles were recycled... sounds like a dream. Sometimes it feels irrelevant to write about sustainable fashion because, in reality, people are going to do whatever they want and wear whatever clothes they like. Especially in a world where fast fashion sites tend to get significantly more advertisement through social media along with being quick, extremely cheap, and constantly releasing new styles - sometimes daily. Fast fashion is so accessible that it makes more sense to buy from a site that releases new styles frequently, keeps up with trends, and is affordable to the average shopper.
Today I want to talk about what would happen if the general population (specifically younger generations, i.e. Millennials and Gen Z) took the time to shop more sustainably, donated their used clothing instead of throwing them away, repaired their damaged pieces instead of replacing them entirely and recycled clothing that has been through its entire life cycle.
Firstly, taking the time to shop more sustainably: the bottom line is that yes, sustainable clothing can get expensive quickly. With this, we also need to keep in mind that it also needs to be ethical fashion. Sustainable and ethical fashion is more in the $50-$100+ range of pricing, but again, in a perfect world, this isn’t a problem. By shopping from places that pay their workers liveable wages, in a factory that is safe and efficient, in a place where water consumption and pollution are minimal, shoppers can feel good about their purchases and excited about their new clothes. Along with their excitement, shoppers are also protecting the planet, they are reducing waste by buying clothing made from recycled materials, and in turn, are more likely to donate or recycle their used clothing.
Secondly, donating clothing. In a perfect world, thrift stores would stay affordable and accessible to everyone. As consumers buy new clothing, they donate their used (also sustainable and ethically made clothing) to thrift and consignment stores. In a perfect world where clothes only need to be replaced with they are outgrown. These clothes are still in good condition and are available to be bought and worn again, creating no extra waste or excessive water consumption. No clothing ends up in landfills and is instead taken to a new home to be loved and worn for a long time.
Third, repairing damaged clothes. Consumers will notice that over time, a few threads here and there will be lost and several seams may pop, as these clothes are handmade and are not mass-produced by one factory. But, instead of replacing their clothes altogether, they take them back to the store where it was purchased, and the store patches up their clothes and sends them on their way. Or, even better, consumers take the time to repair their clothing. This way, fashion is not disposable.
Finally, recycling old clothing. When clothes are just too worn, after years and years of love for the piece, it's time to turn it into something new. Instead of the landfill, the jacket or top or pants are sent to a recycling center. There, they are deconstructed and the threads are woven into a new top or new jacket that will be worn and loved for years to come. Every new piece of clothing has
It makes sense, doesn’t it? To make a garment last, to share the gift of a nice quality coat with a fellow shopper in a thrift store when it no longer serves you? Some of these things are already happening, but it is our job to keep these things going to evolve the fashion industry and textile market, as well as the job market in America. Companies like Goodfair source clothing from thrift stores and make affordable surprise wardrobes of donated clothing. American Eagle recycles old jeans into insulation for new homes being built. The brand Madewell also does this with old jeans. H&M will recycle old clothing, and in return offer a 15% discount on shoppers' next purchase. There are many brands all across America working to make a difference, but these brands alone are not enough to curb the amount of waste still going into landfills daily.
Fast fashion is probably always going to exist in some way, at least for the next decade. The goal of writing this blog is simply to raise awareness around where all of our clothing comes from. It is up to us, as consumers to make a conscious effort while shopping for clothing and cleaning out our wardrobes.
