The ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR CHANGEMAKERS!
THRIFTING: THE NEW FLEX WE ALL NEED
Thrifting is the new trend of fashion responsibility, and we ought to practice it more!
6/16/20261 min read
The fashion industry makes a sizeable contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealing that the textile industry uses 86 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of water every year. The UNEP mentioned the global emissions contribution of the textile industry at 2 per cent to 10 per cent, with significant chemical use. This is not just alarming, but increasingly threatening. Heavy carbon emissions and chemical output by fashion supply chains, including global shipping, need a wake-up call.
We strive in a world obsessed with trends. Fashion trends run rampant as people try to fit in with changing culture, styles and dynamics. According to the report, globally produced textile waste amounts to 92 million tonnes annually, with 11.3 million tonnes entering landfills. Fashion responsibility, therefore, becomes crucial.
One responsible contribution to minimising this is the small act of thrifting. The purchase of second-hand apparel is probably the paradigm shift needed to reduce textiles-related carbon emissions. Second-hand clothes’ Green House Gas (GHG) emissions amount to only 33% of those from a new item. One purchase equals one effort in reducing carbon emissions. This practice prevents the purchase of new items and lowers global demands, thereby saving our future. And that is how sustainability is shaped as well. Fashion responsibility can be instilled, beginning with reusing, re-wearing, and purchasing used garments. Somehow, the pride in thrifting lies in this small act, whilst never staying out of style.