Is Thrifting Even Sustainable Anymore?

Image Credit: Ellen.y.l on TikTok

Thrifting became a widespread trend in 2020, as Gen Z became hooked on unique vintage finds. So much so, reselling thrifted items has become a whole business. Finding vintage items at local thrift stores and reselling them on platforms like Depop has become the norm. I will admit, buying from vintage Depop resellers is one of my favorite sources for unique clothing. I find so many authentic items that truly feel like me. While buying second-hand clothing by supporting local thrift shops is a great, sustainable, and financially conscious way to buy your clothes, the act of reselling tends to have some unethical downsides. For one, it is common for vintage resellers to drastically inflate the prices of pieces, making consumers pay more than they need to. To avoid this, try researching other listings or even the price it was sold for. Resellers often find pieces to upsell by clearing out many of the best items from locations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, companies designed to help improve the lives of those who are financially struggling. I have seen many viral posts complaining about how overpopulated these second-hand stores are with resellers. On top of this, the fuels and packaging materials used in shipping orders are unsustainable. These resellers have completely changed the game in the business of fashion, transforming thrifting from a sustainable practice into a commercialized one. The next time you find yourself wanting to purchase from a vintage reseller, remember to reconsider just how sustainable and ethical it really is.