As Earth Day approaches, it’s important to remember that small actions can make a big difference in preserving our planet. One of those actions is thrifting vs shopping fast fashion, online, or in large retail stores. Thrifting is not only good for your wallet but also for the planet. LA’s largest thrift store, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles, is a prime example of how thrifting can help save the planet. Here are some facts and statistics to show you why and how thrifting can help save the planet.
Clothing Waste
Did you know that the average American throws away about 80 pounds of clothing per year? Clothing waste is a significant contributor to the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By thrifting, you can help reduce this waste. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store offers a wide variety of clothing options, from vintage finds to designer pieces, at a fraction of the cost of buying new clothes.
Water Usage
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters of water in the world. It takes an estimated 2,700 liters of water to make a single cotton t-shirt. By thrifting, you’re helping to reduce the demand for new clothing production, which in turn helps to reduce the amount of water used in clothing production. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store has a vast collection of clothing options for all people, sizes, and styles, which means you can find almost anything you need without contributing to the water crisis.
Landfills
The more we buy, the more we throw away. By thrifting, we’re reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 5% of the waste in landfills is textiles. By purchasing used clothing from thrift stores, you’re helping to reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills and giving them an extended life in your closet.
Chemicals
Many of the chemicals used in clothing production are toxic and can have negative effects on both the environment and the people who work with them. By purchasing used clothing from thrift stores like St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, you’re helping to reduce the demand for new clothing production and the use of these chemicals.
Community Impact
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles Thrift Store is more than just a thrift store. It’s a non-profit organization that helps people in need. The profits from the thrift store go towards providing assistance to those who need it, including providing people in need with store vouchers so they can shop for the essential items they need, rental assistance, food distribution programs, a men’s shelter, youth summer camp program, and more. When you shop at our thrift store, you’re not only helping to save the planet, but you’re also helping to support a great cause.
Thrifting is a sustainable and affordable way to shop. By choosing to thrift, you’re not only helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but you’re also helping to conserve water and reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Additionally, you’re supporting a great cause, as profits from thrift stores like The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Los Angeles Thrift Store goes towards helping individuals in need. So, this Earth Day, make a conscious decision to thrift and do your part in preserving our planet.
