In the modern age of increasing environmental awareness, more and more people are looking for ways to be fashionable while still being eco-friendly. One great way to bridge the gap between being stylish and going green is by taking part in the growing trend of sustainable style – eco-friendly thrifting in North America. By joining the ranks of green-minded shoppers and upcycling vintage pieces, you can look great and help the environment, all while saving money. Read on to learn more about sustainable style and the thrift shops in North America that make it possible.
1. Seamless Sustainable Shopping – Thrifting in North America
Thrifting in North America has emerged as a popular and sustainable shopping choice. Instead of stocking up on new clothes, more and more shoppers are turning to used, pre-loved garments and accessories for great variety and value.
Online Shopping Made Easy
Online thrift shopping in North America is exceptionally convenient and hassle free. Shopping for second-hand apparel is easy with a variety of websites offering a range of products from vintage one-of-a-kind items to modern basics. Whether shoppers are looking for a statement piece or basics to build their wardrobe, a few clicks of a mouse can bring up hundreds of selections.
Retail Shopping Reimagined
The number of brick and mortar thrift stores in North America continues to grow, with most cities having several options to choose from. Many thrift stores are either linked to local charities or operated as not-for-profit organizations. Shopping at these stores not only gives back to the community, but also provides an excellent opportunity to discover unique pieces at a fraction of the original cost.
Opportunity for Creativity
Unlike shopping for new apparel, thrifting allows shoppers to make the most of their creative juices. Get creative with the curation and styling of pre-owned pieces and find unexpected combinations or look for interesting items to repurpose and restore. Thrifting offers a chance to be environmentally conscious and be uniquely stylish at the same time.
Incentives for Thrift Shopping
- Substantial savings up front
- More conscious consumerism
- Upcycling rather than wasting
- Build a unique wardrobe
- One-of-a-kind items
With the wide range of advantages offered by thrift shopping, it may just be the option for those wishing to have an eco-conscious wardrobe. From great deals on vintage items to the possibility of creating a unique look, thrifting is a fun and seamless experience.
2. Going Green with Garments – Making Eco-Friendly Choices
The fashion industry has drastically changed in the last decades, with companies now rising to the challenge of creating clothes in an eco-friendly manner. We now not only have more options for our wardrobe, but we can also be proud to purchase garments that can make a positive change for our planet.
How are clothes hurting the planet? Fast fashion is a huge problem and it’s resulting in all sorts of issues for the environment, like plastic microfibers polluting the water, and by-products from production ending up in the atmosphere. Washing clothes also uses a huge amount of water and can be highly damaging to the environment.
How to go green with your wardrobe? There are many ways to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly, but the most important one is to buy fewer clothes. Instead of constantly shopping for something new, we need to learn how to wear the same clothes in a more creative way.
Another way of going green with our wardrobe is to use natural fabrics since they respect nature and use fewer resources during the production process. Some great natural fabrics that are both good for the environment and for your skin include hemp, wool, linen, silk, and cashmere.
It’s also important to choose brands that are more ethically conscious and use sustainable materials. Look for companies that work with organic cotton, use recycled fabrics or low impact dying techniques, and avoid toxic fabrics like polyester and synthetic fibers.
- Avoid constant shopping for new clothes
- Use natural fabrics like wool, hemp, and linen
- Choose companies that use sustainable materials
- Try to find thrifted clothes that are still in good condition
- Be aware of the dying processes that some fabrics use
We can make a huge difference in the environment if we make the right choices for our wardrobe. Start by asking yourself questions like: does this material pick the planet? Does it use sustainable resources? Is this a garment I will use for a long time?
3. An Exploration of Ethically-Sourced Thrift Stores
The thrift store has come a long way in a few short years and nowadays the options available in ethically-sourced items continues to grow. When thrifting, it’s important to understand what it means to purchase items that have been sustainably and ethically sourced.
The True Cost of Thrifting
Part of the cost of an item is its environmental impact. From the source of its materials to its transportation, manufacturing, and disposal, the life cycle of a product contributes to the sustainability of the item’s entire journey. The benefit of shopping at an ethically-sourced thrift store is that you’re purchasing pre-loved items made from materials that have already had their environmental impact yields.
The Benefits of Ethically-Sourced Thrifting
- Supporting a conscious approach to consumerism that reduces waste
- Encouraging the upcycling of existing materials
- Creating a healthier, greener economy
- Reducing exploitation of natural resources
Visiting thrift stores that carry only ethically-sourced items is one of the best ways to make sure that you’re not contributing to unfair, unsustainable, or exploitative practices. Not to mention, it will also provide a much needed boost to local businesses and the communities they serve.
How To Shop Ethically at Thrift Stores
- Check out thrift stores online and do research about their policies before visiting
- Read the labels and tags on the items to make sure they’re ethically-sourced
- Support thrift stores that are members of ethical or environmental initiatives
When shopping for ethically-sourced items, it’s essential to check the origin of the clothing, furniture, or accessories you’re buying. Shopping ethically is an important part of ensuring that you don’t contribute to unfair labor practices or participate in the exploitation of natural resources.
4. Exploring Affordable, Eco-Friendly Accessories in North America
Whether you’re looking to invest in a wardrobe of ethical and sustainable fashion or just looking to do your part to be more eco-friendly without breaking the bank, North America has you covered. From jewelry to bags and just about everything in between, there are a plethora of affordable, eco-friendly accessories that guarantee you can look good and keep Mother Nature smiling. Here are four of our favorite sustainable ensembles that won’t break the bank.
Clutches and Crossbodies
- Ace And Jig’s Hemp and Cotton Pouch – Add a bit of colour and texture to your look with this eye-catching hemp and cotton pouch.
- Bon Tot’s Reusable Market Tote – This woven bag is versatile and a great option if you plan to be out and about for the day.
Earrings
- Bohindi Earlap Bead Earrings – You can never go wrong with a chic pair of lightweight earrings.
- Towne & Reese Raw Glass Bead Hoops – Combining modern and vintage material, go from day to night with these glass bead hoops.
Scarves and Sweaters
- Moth’s Aviator Jacket – Get the cosy feel of a wool coat with just a fraction of the warming power.
- Mumbai Blouse from Tonlé – Add a soft and elegant touch to your look with this blouse made from recycled fabric.
Shoes
- Brave GentleMan’s Darwin Shoe – This vegan Oxford shoes are a great shoe for everyday wear.
- Hasbeens’ Julia Clogs – Enjoy the comfort provided by a solid wood sole and cork footbed.
These great fashion accessories make it easy to do your part in being more conscious of the environment. So check out all of the attractive and affordable eco-friendly accessoriesavailable and rest easy knowing that you can look good and support the planet.
Sustainable style is a movement that doesn’t seem to slow down. Thrifting is a great way to gain access to a myriad of interesting and unique items, from one-off pieces to designer wear, all while taking a stance for protecting the environment. As more of us become aware of the importance of eco-friendly fashion, we can hope to continue to inspire each other and those around us to become ambassadors for the sustainable style movement.
