How to be a Conscious Thrifter

by: Lily Ezersky, Haley Galante, and Mahima Thevar

We recognize thrifting as the practice of buying items sustainably, typically through secondhand stores like Goodwill or Savers. As thrifting has become more mainstream within the past 5 years, it's important to be a mindful shopper in order to keep thrifting as accessible as possible to communities who rely on thrift stores.

Overconsuming IS Possible When Thrifting

What is overconsumption?

• Overconsumption in the clothing industry is the process of buying more clothing items than necessary to sustain living requirements. Purchasing clothes from fast fashion brands can lead to excess microplastics, fabric dye, and clean water usage. 

• Fast fashion brands create a vicious cycle of overconsumption with overproducing low-quality, labor-intensive products that don't last over time.
  

How can we avoid overconsuming in fashion?

• To avoid overconsumption, either limit the amount of clothing you purchase from certain unsustainable brands, or continually shop at thrift stores while making donations to keep your clothes in a rotating cycle where multiple people can benefit from its wear. 
  

More on the impacts of overconsumption in the fashion industry:

• https://thirdview.info/2023/06/05/measuring-success-in-sustainable-consumption-and-production/

• https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/fast_fashion

• https://www.fashionrevolution.org/overconsumption-in-the-fashion-industry/

Social Impacts of Thrifting:

How can we be respectful of plus-sized thrifters?

• Many times, plus-sized thrifters are unable to find pieces and/or sections within second-hand stores that accommodate larger body-types. Plus-sized clothing in thrift stores is often scarce due to items being bought by people who intend to upcycle or many stores refusing to accept donations of larger sizes. While upcycling is an amazing way to contribute to slow fashion and keep your closet sustainable, mindfulness of the clothes you choose to upcycle is just as important in your thrifting journey. Thrifting should be inclusive of all bodies!

How can we best consider families and individuals who thrift for necessity?

• Thrift stores were originally created during economic depression to ensure individuals and families could purchase clothing and household necessities at a lower cost. Thrift shopping should be normalized as well as doing so consciously, especially for those who aren't relying on thrift stores for clothing and household items. Try to go thrifting with goals in mind to combat possible overconsuming.

• Another consideration is to think of essential seasonal or school items in thrift stores. When thrifting, reflect on any essential items (coats, blankets, workwear) that might be needed by the surrounding community!

More on inclusivity and thrifting:

• https://www.women.com/1308300/barriers-between-plus-sized-bodies-thrifting-culture/#:~:text=Thrift%20stores%20that%20buy%20their,it%20until%20it%20falls%20apart.

• https://kristenstagram.com/2023/03/24/a-practical-guide-to-conscious-thrifting/

• https://www.thecut.com/2023/04/the-ultimate-guide-to-thrifting-ethically.html