Is Shopping Second Hand Sustainable? - Good On You

The number of clothing items purchased every year has doubled in the last 15 years. We're buying more clothes and we're also throwing away many of these purchases.

Brands need to change the way clothes are made so they are more durable or recyclable, but we as consumers also have an essential role to play by changing how we consume.

Shopping second-hand is becoming easier and more accessible than ever. Online thrifting is growing, and some believe the resale sector may become bigger than fast fashion.

• Buying vintage and second-hand provides a refreshing and more sustainable way to shop.
• Buying pre-owned clothes prevents using additional resources in the manufacturing process.
• Shopping second-hand is cheaper and more accessible.

• Poor quality fast fashion. Only a small percentage of donated clothing is of sufficient quality to be re-sold.
• Outsourcing to developing nations. Developing countries are inundated with unwanted clothes. Some countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda have banned, or are considering banning, used clothing turning up on their doorstep.
• Thrift flipping. Buying pre-owned items and customising them is a threat to disadvantaged people who used to benefit from second-hand items.