By Ellie Nicole Byrne
Each year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced, and unless big changes are made, it is estimated that by 2030, we’ll create 134 million tonnes of textile waste globally.
The main cause of clothing waste is overconsumption. Due to the new trends always emerging in the fashion world, companies are constantly creating items that are produced quickly and cheaply to keep up with demand. These products are often sold at extremely low prices, which encourages a throwaway culture.
Curbing overconsumption:
An effective way to break the fast-fashion cycle is by using second-hand clothing platforms, such as eBay, Depop or Vinted or visiting local thrift stores. Instead of throwing out old clothes, you can sell them online or donate them to a store so they can be cherished by someone else. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it can also help individuals save and earn money.
In recent years, many social media creators have encouraged the public to live a more sustainable life, explaining why it is good for the environment and positively affects the world we live in.
@ar.a.celi why you should thrift > fast fashion 💚🌎 good for your wallet, the planet, & your personal style 🙂 #whatithriftedvshowistyledit #thrifthaul #thriftedfashion #sustainablefashion ♬ super shy – instrumental – no/vox & karaokey
According to Bank & Vogue, 70% of North American consumers reported buying and wearing second-hand clothing in the past year, and about 80% of consumers were ages 18 – 34. This shows the positive impact that speaking on sustainability has on the public.
How to use these sites:
Social media app Vinted has seen a large increase in activity, with 105 million registered users globally.
The app itself is extremely easy to use and navigate.
Once you’re on the app, simply select the ‘sell’ button circled below.
Once you’ve selected a sale, you just need to upload some photos of your item and select the ‘upload’ button circled in the image below.
If you’re looking to find items on the app it is also extremely easy. All you need to do is type your desired product into the search bar, or shop by the sections already provided by Vinted.
If your closet is overflowing with items you no longer wear, sell them on these platforms, or donate them to a thrift store, not only are you helping your local community, but also the world we live in! And before making a large clothing order online or in-store, be sure to check out your local thrift shops beforehand, as you’ll be guaranteed to find something you love.
Let us know if you’ll be uptaking thrifting this season.
