Buying new clothes because of a new trend, considering a piece of clothing worn three or four times as old and refusing to be photographed with the same outfit twice might sound ridiculous to a few. However, that is exactly what is happening in the fast fashion world lately. If you’re also looking forward to invent or create new fashion trend, then it’s best to find where can I submit my invention idea!
The results of such luxury are devastating. The fashion industry is just after the oil industry as the largest polluter in the world. According to the UNEP, fast fashion was responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions in 2019.
100 billion pieces of clothing are produced each year, and of those three out of five will end up in a landfill within a year of use, only in Ireland 225,000 tonnes of textile waste are disposed of every year. This problem was even discussed on the COP27.
One of the easiest ways to fight these problems is by purchasing second-hand items. Dublin city has many charity shops spread all around the place, which is a good alternative to someone wanting to help the future of the planet by thrifting, but also to be part of some good human cause.
Thrifting was once considered a shame, and something related to poverty. But that was before, when we did not understand the real impact of our actions on the planet. Now, more and more green and sustainable thinking is becoming the rule. Gen Z made second-hand cool!
Generation Z represents more than 40% of the global consumers of thrift items. Social media has a big influence on these numbers, as it is possible not only to follow thrifting influencers but also to access numbers of waste landfills and exploitative working conditions behind big brands.
In an attempt to appeal to more people across all generations, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) have a project to reorganise all their shops to look like boutiques instead of what is expected from a charity shop. The idea is to attract more customers and show another perspective of thrifting.
The renovation of these shops goes from the actual interior design to the display of the pieces of clothing. The idea is to be as far as possible from the stereotype of the dusty, messy and smelly charity shops we know.
In the video below, you will see an overview of the NCBI shop on Capel Street, hear some customers’ opinions on fast fashion and why they chose to purchase second-hand products instead.
Discuss the future of our planet, but make it fashion!
What do you think about second-hand clothes and charity shops? Do you still buy from fast fashion brands, or are you also migrating to thrifting? Tell me in the comments!
