With each passing generation we become more conscious of how we negatively impact the planet. The internet makes it impossible to ignore what’s going on around us. Additionally, the days of “I don’t see it in my neighborhood so it doesn’t exist” are long gone. The fashion industry is one of the largest global polluters, emitting more carbon than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. This and other reasons are causing a rising trend – buying secondhand clothing.
How Fashion Negatively Impacts The Environment
Facts on how the fashion industry impacts the environment every day (courtesy of Business Insider).
- It takes 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt.
- It takes 2,000 gallons of water to produce one pair of jeans.
- 85% of textiles go to the landfill each year.
- Washing clothes releases over 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean each year. The equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles (polyester = plastic).
Fueled by obvious necessity and the desire to make a change, re-commerce retailers are springing up all over the globe. The secondhand fashion industry is currently valued around $25 billion, so besides the “feel good”, there’s also money to be made. As consumer habits continue to evolve, some traditional retailers are even proactively seeking partnerships with re-commerce retailers (see ThredUP partnership with Macy’s).
If you haven’t done so already, take a look at a handful of the globes most well known re-commerce retailers:
Goodwill
Type: Donation
Website: www.shopgoodwill.com
When it comes to buying secondhand apparel, Goodwill is probably the first name that comes to mind. Goodwill Industries is about much more than just donating gently used items. They’re a non-profit that exists to help the communities in which they exist by providing job training, employment placement and other community services to assist those who may have barriers which prevent them from obtaining employment. Therefore the time you’re thinking of throwing something away, consider donating because it helps fuel the good in your community.
ThredUP
Type: Consignment
Website: www.thredup.com
Quite possibly the most well known women’s and children’s consignment retailer in the United States. They’re process is simple, they send you a bag and shipping label, you fill it with gently used garments, you get paid. They process millions of items annually, so chances are you’ll score a great find if you’re looking to add to your wardrobe.
If you’re interested in how your personal fashion habits effect the environment, give ThredUP’s Fashion Footprint Quiz a whirl. I learned I’m personally contributing about 703 pounds of carbon into the environment each year, and I rarely buy new clothes.
The RealReal
Type: Luxury consignment
Website: www.therealreal.com
The RealReal’s focus is luxury. This includes designer clothing, bags, jewelry and more. You can ship your items to them, or if you’re located in one of their designated areas, opt for their white-glove service which involves an expert coming to your home and pricing/taking away on site.
Ubup (Momox)
Type: Consignment
Website: www.ubup.com
Germany’s leading re-commerce retailer. It’s known as a common practice across the globe to check Ubup first before shopping new. Not to worry, you don’t have to speak German to shop there as their site offers instant translation to most languages.
Poshmark
Type: Peer to peer
Website: www.poshmark.com
Peer to peer resale website. Selling and buying secondhand apparel is made simple using the Poshmark app. Simply snap a photo of the item you want to sell, write a quick description and list for sale.
Vestiaire Collective
Type: Peer to peer & consignment
Website: www.vestiairecollective.com
In 2009 Vestiaire Collective began as a French resale site and quickly morphed into a global retailer. Selling men’s and women’s designer clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry. They’ll list items for you on consignment or you can list items for sale yourself using their app.
About Tailored
Tailored is a fashion technology company that developed the globes first instant garment measuring software. Tailored helps clothing resellers improve garment intake efficiency and reduce waste. The primary way this is accomplished is through eliminating manual clothes measuring. Helping resellers upload garments to the internet faster than ever before. Additionally, their tech can be used to help reduce returns by allowing consumers to compare the fit of clothes they already own to clothes you sell online. Tailored is committed to the circular economy and promoting buying secondhand clothing.