Have you ever stopped to think about the effect of always buying new clothes? If you’re like me you are constantly looking for where you can buy the new fashion trend. Look no further because I have an idea for you: thrift shopping. Second-hand shopping is a beneficial and inexpensive way to advocate for our environment.
Purchasing second-hand clothing reduces the number of natural resources being used to make more of these garments. Reducing the number of resources also means that it reduces the demand for new items that require additional energy. Resources used to make fabrics include cotton, wool, wood, petroleum, cocoons and more. Each year, around 80 to 100 billion clothes are being made. Almost 90 percent of this type of material ends up in landfills. Around one percent of the clothing is recycled and turned into garments. On the other hand, when clothing is donated to a charity shop between 10 to 30 percent is resold in the store.
The latest social media trend has been thrifting. The second-hand market has skyrocketed through the help of media platforms. In a generation where kids are worrying about how they look, they are also worrying about their impact on the environment. Studies show that around 35 percent of women and 25 percent of men have started purchasing second hand products compared to a year ago. Not only has this trend grown in popularity because of the environmental benefits, but it also saves money.
So next time you want to go on a shopping spree, need something for homecoming dress-up week, or just want something to do in your free time that is cheap, visit your local thrift shop. One great thing about the Conestoga location is that we are close to Omaha, which is filled with hundreds of thrift stores, from small thrift stores to the Goodwill bins. You could easily be a part of the new fashion trend while helping out Mother Nature.
Thrift Shops in our local area:
– Under His Wings: 511 Main St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048
– My Neighbor’s Closet: 500 S 18th St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048
– Friends of Faith Thrift Store: 1014 Central Ave, Nebraska City, NE 68410
– Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center: 1502 Harlan Dr, Bellevue, NE 68005
– Goodwill: 2303 Towne Centre Dr, Bellevue, NE 68123
Sources for Further Information:
New to buying used? 5 Benefits of buying secondhand
What Really Happens to the Clothes You Donate
17 Most Worrying Textile Waste Statistics & Facts
How Social Media transformed the Second Hand Market
