LIFESTYLE : PART I - THRIFT SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP!
WHY THRIFT?
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
This saying is so true. As we are all different and unique human souls with our own tastes and desires, the thrift shop is the perfect spot to find something that you may LOVE and others may HATE (or vice versa). Embrace this by donating the items you no longer treasure and pay for the ones you do.
Consumerism VS Minimalism
Thrifting is an awesome way to do your part in minimising consumerism and participating in a more holistic lifestyle. The less things we own, the less we have to worry about and the better our planets future will be. Our earth only just produces enough resources to meet our needs, but it does not produce enough resources to meet all of our wants! Since thrifting, I have decreased the amount of clothing items I buy by about 70%, on average I would say this year I have purchased about 2 clothing items a month, all of which I can clearly remember. However, I think this has also come with caring less of what others think and not being fussed with keeping up with the current trends. Instead dressing with my own unique style … one that is inspired more by nature and only buy what I need….
’Consumerism becomes excessive when it extends beyond what is needed. When we begin this, boundaries are removed. Excessive consumption leads to bigger houses, faster cars, trendier clothes and fancier technology. It may promise happiness, but never delivers. Instead, it results in a desire for more, and more, and more…’
VINTAGE, VINTAGE, VINTAGE!!
Because who doesn’t need more vintage sparkles in their life? Some of the best quality and cheapest vintage has been found in my local thrift shops! Think Levi jeans, 1940’s wedding dress (worn as my graduation dress) and $5AUS Wrangler denim jackets …..
Thrift Grad Dress
Majority of the clothes we buy from large companies come from sweat shops
The fashion industry today is quite a scary one! Due to our western world demands, the clothing we buy from large companies (e.g. Nike, H&M, Victoria’s Secret) comes at a cost. Majority of our clothes are mass produced, in under developing countries with very poor working conditions and very little paid workers (also working extremely long hours.) I thought sweat shops were a thing of the past, but just like the ‘food’ we consume, we are very disconnected from the clothes we buy and where they come from. By choosing to buy second hand clothing you are voting with your dollar and not creating a demand for mass produced, unethical clothing. And if you’re not going to buy second hand, then please (!!!) at least purchase from local, smaller brands from your country whenever you can. For example, if something is hand-made in Australia and they explicitly tell you where their products are made ie. in their own home — then that is also NOT supporting sweat shop productions. Obviously no one can be 100% perfect in these situations, but just do your best to make an ethical choice whenever you can and are aware!
STAY TUNED FOR MY BEST THRIFTING TIPS #COMINGSOON
CHECK OUT THESE LINKS
If you want more inspo, follow here ….
* Me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxfyd792B1k (lol a lil self promo but it’s a good thrift haul I promise!)
* Kristen Leo Fellow vegan and ethical shopper - check out her YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/user/KristenElleTV
* The true cost I haven’t actually watched this documentary as of yet, but it’s on my to do list! Get educated with me and watch it too - it draws on my last point I made http://truecostmovie.com (ALSO AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX)
Get thrifting. Stay Natural, Stay Groovy, Yas Xo
Author: Yasmin
Publisher: The Natural Lane
