By EMMA CASTRO
In the last few years, "thrifting" has become more popular. Teens are abandoning new, high-fashion clothing for unique second-hand garments. Thrifting is an alternative to “fast fashion” - cheap, trendy, low-quality clothing that is meant to be worn only a few times. While fast fashion may be an easy way to stay on-trend on a budget, fast fashion has serious social and environmental costs. The industry causes pollotion, and many of the workers are producing the clothes in unsafe circumstances for very low wages.
Thrifting is a sustainable alternative to buying from these big brands. CHHS students have certainly taken a liking to second-hand shopping. “I think thrifting is a really cool way to find unique pieces that nobody else has,” said sophomore Caitlin Gallagher. “And it’s also a really easy way to be more sustainable as fast fashion is really bad for the environment. It’s also way cheaper, so it’s a win on every level.”
Thrifting is very much on-trend, but it has a multitude of benefits on both personal and global scales. Many fast-fashion companies are responsible for using toxic chemicals that contaminate the water and soil of the places in which products are made. Additionally, these businesses produce millions of tons of waste, and much of their excess textiles end up in landfills. As these products decompose, they become significant contributors to global warming.
Fast fashion companies employ thousands of workers in developing countries, and many of these employees are children. These individuals work long hours in harrowing conditions for minimal pay. In supporting fast fashion, consumers perpetuate the dominance of these companies, thus depriving thousands of workers of their rights to fair and favorable working conditions. While fast fashion provides many people with cheap, stylish clothing, the mass production of garments comes at the cost of human suffering.
While fast fashion may appear cheap, its real costs - in human suffering and in environmental harm - are hidden. If you don't want want to support fast fashion, but you do want to look stylish, thrifting is a great way to express individuality on a budget. Thrift store prices are significantly lower than most retail prices, and many shops carry clothes from high-quality brands. There are many thrift stores in Westchester and New York City, and there are online options as well. By shopping second-hand, you give the environment the upper hand.
If you are interested in taking part in some thrifting, come to Student Activism Club’s Clothing Swap on December 5 at 7 pm! Bring a bag of unwanted clothes and exchange them for some new pieces. Eat great food, find some “new” clothes, and help the environment in the process!