Secondhand vs retail shopping, is there a better way to buy clothes?

While the debate is up in the air, the answer can be solved by asking: which one is better for the Earth?

Clothing production has a larger consequence on the Earth than those would like to notice, wasted material many times being dumped out, forming piles on land and in oceans.

Avid thrifter, high school student Sydney Bailey gives her input on the why behind second hand shopping

“I think it’s fun and it’s a great way to find unique pieces not everyone has… thrifting also helps save the environment as well.”

Another high school student who chose to stay anonymous leans to retail shopping, sharing her input on why

“My motive behind manufactured clothing is that I think social media plays a big part in influencing people to buy stuff, sometimes for me I check social media for clothes that I want.”

Hopping into social media trends plays a big factor in buying new clothes.

It’s easy to feel left out when everybody has the brand-new trend, so buying new is an easy fix.

However, with thrifting becoming more popular, the awareness of the eco-friendly buys is also becoming more popular.

The anonymous student shares some factors that stray way can be:

“I often have a really hard time thrifting because I’m so impatient and I want to find something good that’s up to my standards right away, but I want to improve and really take the time because it helps the environment.”

Knowing the pros and cons of where to buy clothes it’s important when one to try to help the environment.