Double Benefits from the Thrift Shop Trend

According to data from United Nations Environment, every year the clothing industry produces about 20% of industrial wastewater. Meanwhile, UNEP data show that the clothing industry accounts for 10% of annual global carbon emissions. This shows that environmental pollution from textile waste is no longer a trivial matter. As happens in the oceans, where textile waste pollution has lately become a common sight.

Pollution from textile waste can be triggered by two factors: producers and consumers. The production process certainly generates a lot of waste, whether solid, liquid or gas. This will of course pollute the environment. On the consumer side, wearing clothes that follow the times can push the industry to produce fast fashion. Yet fast fashion itself is not environmentally friendly.

There are various efforts that can be made to reduce textile waste. One of them is buying second-hand clothes. Buying second-hand clothes extends the clothes' lifespan, which can reduce textile waste pollution. The trend of buying second-hand clothes is currently becoming a new hobby among millennials.

Second-hand clothing stores, commonly called thrift shops, have lately become very easy to find. Moreover, with technological development, easily accessible online shops have emerged. This convenience can be used to buy desired items that are out of reach. Seen this way, efforts to reduce textile waste pollution become a step easier.

In fact, the thrift shop trend is not new. This trend was once popular in 1760. It began when clothes were very cheap, so people regarded clothing as a disposable item. This made second-hand clothes pile up, giving rise to the thrift shop trend.

The thrift shop trend among young people is inseparable from today's fashion styles. Vintage fashion is a teen trend at present. The vintage style is taken from clothing styles of the past, so it looks classic and elegant. It is not only among millennials, but has spread to the world of acting, where many artists also like vintage clothing styles.

Millennials' tendency to copy the dress styles of artists and Instagram celebrities drives the vintage dressing trend. The desire to always keep up with fashion is also a factor in the emergence of the thrift shop trend. Thrift shops make it easier to find clothing that is rare.

Besides current trends, thrift shops are popular because their prices are relatively affordable. This certainly has its own appeal for students. Amid the desire to look trendy but with limited finances, thrift shops offer a solution. At relatively affordable prices, one can get good, branded items.

Many people are interested in the thrift shop business. Besides attracting many enthusiasts, this business also does not require large capital. Easy access to the internet is also very beneficial for sellers, making it a promising business opportunity amid the current pandemic.

With the thrift shop trend so widespread today, many benefits can be felt: an environment better protected from waste, and new business opportunities amid a declining economy. This can be a new opportunity to build a healthy environment and increase business opportunities in order to improve the economic situation.

Newspaper: Harian Momentum

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