The Benefits of a Long Life for Clothes
Clothes come from many sources, some more sustainable than others, but most importantly, they can live different lives. Some forget that the length and quality of clothes have such a large impact. Finding new alternatives when one no longer needs an item of clothing is very important and benefits many factors, especially all sustainability factors.
Firstly, donating clothes to live a life beyond your closet benefits the environment, especially if you thrift new clothes. The production of new clothes includes creating or growing the material, processing, transportation, packaging, etc. In other words, it has many environmental impacts along the way, even though many companies are trying to reduce this. Thrifting and donating clothes minimizes many of these impacts.
Next, thrifting is often cheaper than buying new clothes, making clothes more affordable for everyone. Clothes can get very expensive, so thrifting is a good option to save money and find some unique clothes as well. Donating to a charity is also good for people who simply cannot afford clothes, but simply need them.
Lastly, it creates a sense of community that even if you do not need a particular clothing item, someone might like it and find use in it, and the same applies the opposite way.
Clothes can have multiple owners, and that truly has many benefits all around. Reducing environmental impacts, increasing affordability, and creating a community. Not to mention, many people donate many fun clothes that might be seen many other places, so it is a good way to add some spice to your wardrobe.
Written by Zein Tynon, Class of 2024.
Photo Credits:
Photo by David Lezcano on Unsplash.