We are all aware that thrifting is better than buying brand new products, especially on our pockets. But, what are some of the environmental implications of thrifting?
Will thrifting save the planet, or is it just another form of consumption? Let’s see how exactly thrifting helps our planet.
When You Thrift, You Keep Waste Clothes Out Of The Landfill
By thrifting, you are keeping something non-degradable out of landfills. Thousands of unwanted clothes (many of them made out of synthetic materials, that are non-biodegradable) are tossed into landfills globally, which take vast amounts of landfill space and even contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
When You Thrift, You Lower Your Carbon Footprint
Donating your unwanted clothes and thrifting clothes is one of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint. You prevent the massive waste of resources and energy on manufacturing new clothes, when you choose to thrift. Well, isn’t that one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint? All you need to do is head to a thrift store!
When You Thrift, You Contribute To Charity
Many thrift stores contribute to local charities, from the things you donate or a portion of the money from your purchases. That allows you to play a role in boosting your local community development.
When You Thrift, You Help To Keep Water Usage In Check
It’s no lie: clothing production consumes a massive amount of water. And it’s a fact that we are slowly running out of water and need to salvage every drop. Every step of manufacturing a piece of clothing needs water. So, by shopping secondhand, you are doing your bit and saving water.
When You Thrift, You Reduce Chemical Pollution
Chemical pollution is a big deal! Let’s take an example of a material that most think is sustainable: cotton.
Cotton production uses excessive amounts of pesticides, which results in soil acidification & water contamination. That was just about cotton. However, in general, textile manufacturing uses harmful dyes and crude oil by-products. Over and above that, shipping new clothes contaminate groundwater, surfaces and pollutes the air. Shopping secondhand helps you reduce the continuous chemical pollution that results from making new clothes.
Thrifting is a conscious way of shopping and consuming goods, which is what our planet really needs from all of us, right now. And in a way, you tick the checkboxes of the 3R’s: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse – by thrifting.
So, it’s safe to say that thrifting is the easiest way to give back to the planet, without making too much of an effort.