As our planet grows warmer every year, our leaders turn a blind eye to scientific facts because of money, and the doomsday date for when the effects of climate change can no longer be reversed continues to get pushed up, it’s easy to feel helpless. Still, all hope is not lost, and therefore it’s crucial that we strive to reduce our carbon footprint more and more every day.
One easy way to live a sustainable lifestyle that many people overlook is to stop buying new clothing altogether. Forgoing the latest styles may seem like a sacrifice, but it can have a major impact on reducing the waste we produce. According to a Quartzy article, the fashion industry is estimated to produce nearly 100 million tons of waste annually. The equation is therefore simple: the less clothing people buy, the less clothing (and waste) is produced, and the smaller our carbon footprint will be.
If you want to have a meaningful impact on the environment, it’s crucial to switch to sustainable fashion. Here are three reasons why you should stop buying new clothes altogether:
1. Apps like Poshmark and Depop make it easier than ever to buy used clothing.
Clothing apps like Depop simplify the process of finding the exact clothes you’re looking for and often offer the trendiest styles.
The Internet has made buying used clothing all the more convenient — no longer do you have to dig through piles of clothing in Goodwill looking for just one article of clothing that is your size. Apps like Poshmark and Depop make it easier than ever to find exactly what you’re looking for. Best of all, you won’t have to sacrifice fashion in your endeavor to be more eco-friendly. Sellers on both apps sell the latest trends, often at a cheaper price.   Â
2. If you’re up for the hunt and the reward that comes with it, try thrifting!
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Thrifting can be fun and can help you expand your fashion tastes.
On the other hand, maybe thrifting is for you: maybe you get a thrill out of the determination required to dig through so many clothes and the reward that comes with finding a totally unique, vintage article of clothing. Thrifting is a great alternative to buying new clothes, not to mention it can be a budget lifesaver. Thrift stores are often operated by non-profit organizations, too, meaning whatever you spend is (in some part) a donation for a good cause. So, while you’re reducing your carbon footprint, you’ll also be helping another effort in the process and supporting a local business. For thrift stores in the Boston area, check out Boomerangs (run by the AIDS Action Committee of MA) in Cambridge, Goodwill on Commonwealth Ave., and Buffalo Exchange in Allston.
3. It’s green, and it’ll save you “green,” too.
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Buying used clothes is a great way to save money.
Not only is buying used clothing great for the environment, but it’s great for your wallet, too. Buying clothes at a thrift store or off of a used clothing app instead of for top dollar at Zara or Urban Outfitters will inevitably be less costly. That means you could even expand your closet by converting your closet to all used clothing — another win-win.
Making the switch to sustainable fashion is easier than it may at first seem. With the resources available to us in this day and age, the process of buying used clothing is convenient and offers us a wide variety of options so that we don’t have to sacrifice our fashion sense. In the end, not buying new clothing is great for the environment, local businesses, and our bank accounts.Â
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