Thrifting: Save More Than Money
92 million tons of clothing textiles are wasted each year
According to Earth.org, “Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills.”
Americans alone produce 85% of all textile waste with their reported “11.3 million tons of MSW textiles in 2018” according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
You can change this by giving your clothes and others’ a second chance at life.
Frequently Asked Questions
%
Clothes purchased and discarded within a year
years for leggings made of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon to break down in a landfill
What is 'thrifting?'
Thrifting is shopping for second-hand items. This can include frequenting yard sales, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill, Deseret Industries, Uptown Cheapskate, Pre-Loved, and many more. You give clothing, shoes, furniture, etc, a new life by using what has already been made instead of purchasing a new item – thus using and polluting the earth’s resources of water and minerals.
What are the benefits of thrifting?
It’s cheaper, and clothing and other items don’t have to go to the landfill.
What are the downsides of thrifting?
Sometimes there is damage to the item, however, most things can be stitched, patched, and painted.
Where should I go to thrift?
The possibilities are endless. Yard sales, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill, Deseret Industries, Uptown Cheapskate, and Pre-Loved are a few of my favorite options. I like to check them all out and try to find unique and fun items.
What should I do with my old things I'm done with them?
When you’re done with your clothes and items, consider donating them to your local thrift stores for a tax write-off, giving to a friend, hosting a yard sale, or even selling them online. Anything that gives them another chance at life before going to the landfill to rot.
I love thrifting because of the thrill of the hunt for treasures. It’s always so nice to score something I’ve wanted, but not have to pay full price for it.
I love that I can fund all my daughter’s clothing needs without breaking the bank. They always find the most stylish clothes!
I like knowing that I’m giving items a second life instead of just sending them to an overseas dump. With thrifting, I get to try styles that are unique and have lasting quality
I love thrifting because it allows me to be even more creative with my outfits! I can find unique things and experiment with my style without the worry of spending all my money on clothes! I also feel better about thrifting because I’m helping get a second use out of some clothes that were loved and passed on
What You Can Do To Help
Start living sustainably, starting with small steps at a time; the pyramids weren’t built in a day. Find ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle your clothing and apply that to other common household goods such as water bottles, appliances, and plastic containers.
Katelyn
ABOUT US:
Katelyn is an avid thrifter. Every summer, she and her family go to yard sales in the neighboring towns and find good deals. She also loves exploring thrift stores like Deseret Industries and Goodwill.
Please reach out. We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for new ways to thrift and live sustainably.