Thrifting for the future: How fashion impacts the planet
- MacEwan Sustainability
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
How often do you think about where your clothes come from? You’re scrolling through your phone and see an ad for a unique shirt. The item is exactly your style. You click the link and swipe through the different colours available—black, grey, blue, red, purple—it’s a vibrant kaleidoscope of choice.
You select your favorite and order it with the tap of a finger, a small smile briefly appearing on your face before you turn your attention elsewhere.
Within six months, that shirt will be in the landfill.
Throwaway Culture
The fast turnover of these clothes in our wardrobes contributes to something called throwaway culture: Items of clothing are purchased, then thrown out within the span of a few months. Throwaway culture triggers a chain reaction.
As demand grows for these garments, more must be produced. The company’s production speed then rises, along with the cost.
The cost of the items rise.
The quality and value of the garment decreases due to production speed. Buyer's want more clothes...
And in the end, it’s us—the buyer— who’s stuck footing the bill in the form of higher price tags. You’re left with a garment that averages a lifespan of seven to ten uses before falling apart.
Doesn’t sound like a good deal, does it?
Not only does throwaway culture deal a blow to your wallet, but it costs the environment as well. Fast fashion is responsible for 2.6 million tonnes of waste each year, not to mention the carbon emissions of production, and the 20% of global wastewater.
But what can we do right now as post-secondary students? It’s difficult to address a problem this complex, but there is a way that you can take control…
Taking Action
After you deal with the frustration of tossing an item you just bought, you’re thinking of a better way to improve your wardrobe and protect your savings for that upcoming tuition payment.
That’s where thrifting comes in. Thrifting is an easy and fun way for students to revamp their wardrobe and avoid the vicious cycle of throwaway culture.
When you thrift your clothes, you’re doing the planet (and yourself!) a massive favor! You throw away fewer items, reduce energy use, and you get to save money while enjoying a wardrobe makeover.
Curious about where to go? Check out this list of shops in Edmonton!
So next time you’re looking for a cool vintage band t-shirt, or the perfect sweater to fit your new cottagecore style, consider thrifting! You’ll be making a difference in the world while rocking your own amazing style.
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