Thrift Stores: an easy way to recycle your clothing!

Thrift stores or consignment stores are rarely given enough credit for helping with the “green movement” when really, donating to a thrift store is one of the easiest ways to recycle clothing! Shopping at thrift stores is becoming increasingly popular. You can easily find a thrift store near you that caters to whatever style you are looking for; whether it be a retro style, a punk style, a classic style or even designer products at a bargain!

In the past, many consumers avoided thrift stores because they had a preconceived notion that all thrift stores were just smelly boutiques with dirty, ugly clothing. Of course, you may have to dig around to find that one exceptional piece but it's not completely uncommon to find that diamond in the rough. Often times, you may even find brand new articles or designer products for super cheap! For example, a couple of days ago, I took a quick visit to the "New and Recycled" store "Civvies" in Savannah, GA's Broughton Street. Much to my amazement, I was able to find a pair of True Religion Skinny jeans (usually $250) for $25! I talked to one of the sales attendants, who explained to me that the buyer travels across the country to different thrift stores to find quality products that fit within the Savannah consumer demographic.

When you think about it, donating to a thrift store only has positive aspects:

First of all, you get to rid yourself of all those clothes you’ve been holding on to for years that you never actually wore. In all seriousness, did you really think those 80s style neon baggy parachute pants were ever going to come back in style?

Second of all, many thrift stores will give you some sort of compensation for donating (a percentage of the price of the product, or store credit to purchase anything within the store).

Third of all, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!”

So, instead of just throwing away your unwanted garments or storing them in your closet where they never get to see the light of day, join the recycling trend and donate to your nearest thrift store!