TRY ALTERNATIVE SHOPping
Thrift stores sell affordable, secondhand clothes- often outdated or donated- that still serve a purpose. According to Vogue PH’s Karina Swee, ukay-ukay, which began in Baguio, helps extend clothing life and improve accessibility. For those seeking new clothes, eco-friendly brands offer sustainable alternatives.
Thrift shopping promotes sustainability by reducing textile waste and offer social benefits like affordability, job creation and charitable support. Celebrities and influencers have helped mainstream secondhand fashion, further boosting its appeal. Budget-conscious consumers can find unique designer pieces while supporting a circular economy.
However, concerns remain. Earthday highlights that many secondhand clothes are made of polyester and harmful synthetics, which shed microfibers into water and air during washing. Most come from fast fashion brands, lacking durability and ending up in landfills. Only 10 – 30% of thrifted clothes are sold; the rest are sent abroad or recycled into industrial materials.
Experts recommend conscious consumption- buy only what you need. Alternatives include swapping clothes with friends, donating to shelters, repairing and re-wearing rarely used items to extend their life