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Seeking out secondhand clothing makes a difference for the planet and the wallet

Updated: Oct 8

Fashion and advertising would like us to believe that new is always better. However, the costs of consumption and buying throwaway garments contribute to a staggering amount of waste: 92 million tons of discarded textiles—with 16 million tons from the United States alone.




Earth.org reports that every second, a garbage truck full of clothes goes to a landfill.


Every. Second.


Some discarded clothing is also burned–adding to greenhouse gas emissions.


So how can we help? By wearing clothing more often, and repairing items. Doing these things can help change our habits from supporting a system of “fast fashion” to one that supports more sustainable reuse.  By repairing clothes, the money you spend on buying them also goes further.


As you shop, consider buying secondhand. I personally enjoy the 50% off clothing sales at St. Vincent de Paul, where I can find well-made garments from brands such as Patagonia, Columbia Sportswear, Banana Republic, and many more. By buying these garments second-hand, my money goes much further, and I know I am giving them a second life and reducing waste.


Recycling is always the hot-button topic that we like to talk about. But it is also the last part of the commonly known phrase, “Reduce, reuse, and then recycle.” Helping reduce waste starts with reducing our consumption, then reusing what we already have, and lastly, recycling those items.


Reduce your consumption and save money. Simple math. Help reduce the impact of fast fashion on our planet.




— Tamara Andreas, Lane County Waste Reduction Assistant

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