Buy second-hand, save money and help the planet
I’ve always worn second-hand clothes. When I was younger, it was because I simply couldn’t afford new but I also loved the hunt for something quirky and unusual. My clothes were, at times, eccentric but always interesting and talking points.
I founded Trash Chic in 2008 as ‘retail therapy’ so I could hunt, shop, gather and sell. My purchases were not cluttering up my wardrobe and I was having the pleasure of seeing someone’s face light up when they tried on one of my wonderful finds.
Trash Chic went on hold for a while and during that time the world seemed to wake up more to the benefits of second-hand and how we need to make major changes in our lifestyles to promote a more sustainable and circular future … and not just for the fashion industry.
So many people are looking for ways to buy more sustainably so here are 5 reasons why buying second-hand is better for you and the planet.
1. Buying second-hand clothes keep items in circulation
We all know how wasteful the fashion industry is. An estimated £140 million worth of clothes in the UK end up in landfill each year. It’s shocking. Keeping clothes in use for just an extra 9 months can reduce their carbon, water and waste footprint by 20-30%. So even if you don’t wear that item any more, pass it on to someone else. Don’t just throw it away – but many people do.
2. Buying second-hand clothes saves you money
Just because second-hand clothes are cheaper doesn’t mean they are poor quality. In fact, it’s a great way to purchase high end or designer clothing that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. It also means that you can experiment with different styles and not break the bank.
3. Discover unusual and quirky items
This is what I love about second-hand clothes. If you’re shopping on the high street, you’re limited to the fashion trend of the season. And a lot of shops stock very similar things. At Trash Chic I hunt down items to create a thoughtfully curated collection of garments that can be high street, designer, vintage or retro. What unites them is that they are quirky and interesting and can add a unique twist to your wardrobe.
4. Have fun creating your unique wardrobe
Whether you’re doing the hunting yourself or you prefer to buy from a boutique like Trash Chic, it’s very rewarding to find something you fall in love with. What hasn’t suited someone else could be the perfect fit for you.
5. Buying second-hand clothes is a positive thing and makes you feel good
You can save money, create a great look for yourself and feel happy that you are part of the solution rather than the problem. We all need to make better choices for the environment and help create a positive impact. Second-hand clothing is one of the ways forward.
Check out the shop to see a small fraction of the Trash Chic stock. Keep an eye on my Facebook page where new stock gets uploaded and you can snap up a bargain before it hits the rails.
I prefer selling face to face and have lots of events lined up this summer which you can find out about on my events page.
