In today’s social media-driven world, where fashion trends change with the swipe of a finger, consumers are considering the impact of their clothing purchases as thrifting has become one of the latest trends to cross their screens. While many still prefer the convenience and price-tag of fast fashion brands, like Shein and Temu, others have begun to rethink their shopping habits and look for more sustainable alternatives.
Source: Ally Fabbo, Photo Editor and Graphics Editor
Secondhand stores are gaining popularity as sustainable, affordable fashion options. Chains like 2nd Street, which recently opened their new location in Westport, allow customers to sell used clothes for cash, and buy secondhand items at lower prices. Other retailers, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, both of which have locations in Bridgeport, also offer budget-friendly ways to shop without contributing to the waste created by fast fashion.
Source: Fernanda Guevara, Staff Writer
Junior Emily Shablik discovered her love for thrift shopping through outings with her brother, finding unique, vintage pieces.
“My brother runs an online vintage thrift store where he sells unique vintage items, which has allowed me to really appreciate vintage clothing,” said Shablik. “I think that thrifting is a more sustainable choice compared to fast fashion, and over the years, more and more people have started to thrift. It has become a hobby for many and a great way to save money as a young adult.”
Prof. Jo-Marie Kasinak encouraged consumers to “shop intentionally,” explaining that waste from textile production, like chemicals and dyes, can leach into soil and water, negatively impacting the local environment and quality of drinking water.
“Discarded clothing ends up in landfills, where over time they break down, shedding additional chemicals and fibers into the environment, which is a main source of microplastics,” said Kasinak.
“Thrifting is a good option to keep items out of landfills and to reduce the need for companies to create more products. Fast fashion is typically affordable but isn’t long-lasting. As consumers, we need to be willing to invest in higher quality items which will last longer.”
Prof. Kirk Bartholomew, Ph.D, serves as the director of the Institute for Sustainability and Social Justice (ISSJ). The ISSJ is a collaborative center dedicated to studying the complex relationships between humans and their environment, promoting the university’s mission for social justice, and helping students understand their role in their global community.
Bartholomew said he supports the practice of buying secondhand clothing as it encourages a circular economy, decreasing the impact of harmful waste produced by fast fashion.
“When we can afford to, making choices based on our sustainability values is one of the most consequential things we can do individually,” said Bartholomew. “The impact is not much, but collectively, it is huge.”
Moira Staples contributed to this article.
