The Rich keep getting Richer

Have you noticed that thrifting has become the new normal when it comes to fashionably trendy shopping experiences? Yes. Me, too. Guess what? So have the behemoths of fashion. In fact, they most likely statistically projected these trends and prepared for their companies to leverage their buyer's practices (that's us). In fact, that's exactly what they did, and it's called greenwashing.

While thrifting remains to be a beautiful, sustainable practice, in its most raw, circular-oriented state of action, big business has decided to make thrift yet another way to "bring in the dough'. It's rather sickening, from a consumer's perspective. We, as the consumer, believe we are investing in a good practice. In fact, the foundation of thrift truly lies in an almost anti-corporation, allowing for clothes shopping to be more than just an experience, but a way of life. So, how are they getting away with robbing the altruistic form of thrift shopping?

Corporations like H&M, ASOS, & UO (aka Urban Outfitters) are just three of the multitude of companies participating in what the fashion community describes as 'greenwashing'. They actively participate in practices, that on the surface, seem to be giving back, while congruently continue to mass produce billions of new clothing garments. It reminds me of someone who hands you a $1 bill, while simultaneously steals your wallet behind your back. The truth of the matter remains in the fact that they businesses are producing a façade of care to keep a customer base that they may or may not have lost (consumers trending sustainable standards).

The fashion industry is growing into what is estimated to be an $84 billion industry. It continues to be the largest contributor to unfair wage labor and second largest contributor to global warming. And now, they are trying to take a piece of the thrift shopping space.

So, how do we get around the behemoths that continue to dominate and control the fashion industry? We change our buying habits and force their hands. Do the research. Shop real thrift stores or consignment shops. Re-use the clothes that you purchase, focusing on capsule closets. Donate used garments when you are absolutely finished with them. Shop and donate to ThredUp (an online app. that devotes its purpose to sustainable shopping).

Greenwashing shouldn't be a thing. Thrifting is about making things last, not just another trend to be a part of. Let's not allow these corporations to use it, simply to increase their salaries and bottom-lines, once again. Thrifting is cool, but only when it's done to preserve why it became popular in the first place. Don't be afraid to wear those old clothes, reinvent the wardrobe wheel and have fun with it.

-Much contributions taken from an amazing article, written by Jemima Elliott, Re/make.

XOXO,

Jenny Wiglesworth

LiveableMe

Sustainable + Fair