There are so many brands to shop from, whether online or in stores; the choices are endless! When buying different pieces of clothing, or even furniture and toys, people often do not think about the effect it has on the environment. Even though many people end up donating unused clothes, the United States alone is estimated to generate 11.3 million tons of textile waste, materials discarded throughout and after the clothes production process. Amongst the 11.3 million tons, 85 percent is dumped or burned in landfills.
Regardless of these astonishing numbers in fast fashion waste, there has been an increasing popularity surrounding the topic of thrifting. In the act of going to a thrift or a second hand store, it is appealing in regards to not only more variety in items and a shift in less expensive prices, but also sustainability: thrifting contributes to a society sculpted around raising awareness on the amount of clothing sent to landfills, creating an eco-friendly environment filled with a variety of not only clothing items, but furniture, books, and toys, extending the lifetime for these objects. Additionally, supporting thrift shops supports the surrounding community because most stores are non-profit and makes jobs for others.
An act that shifts us to a more sustainable way of living, thrifting at Lawrenceville is a great option to not only upgrade one’s closet, but also helps to create a more environmentally-friendly space for allowing others to experience shopping for new items through a different lens. In Lawrence Township, there are many thrift and antique stores. Some thrift stores include chain stores such as Plato’s Closet and Goodwill, as well as Capital Thrift and Lawrenceville Vintage Treasures. In addition to these second-hand stores, there are multiple Salvation Army Thrifting Stores which donate all proceedings towards supporting residential Adult Rehabilitation Centers as well.
To conclude, the act of thrifting or purchasing second hand clothes helps condense more waste spilling into landfills and reduces contribution to environmental pollution. Considering a second-hand shop is immensely encouraged in not only Lawrenceville, but this idea has also been projected throughout the world, proving that through a joint effort, people can not only look more dripped out, but they can also flip the stigma around rapid production and waste of materialistic things.
Sources
10 Concerning Fast Fashion Waste Statistics
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