Most people know of some thrift stores here in town. Yet, some don’t know what they are like. When taking a look into a thrift store most just see clothes and other used items. But what about trying to see these items from a different perspective? Perhaps some people might see a thrift store as a lost art.
Senior Azaria Pauls started to thrift about two or three years ago and to this day still loves to thrift. She has said there are some clothes in thrift stores that are nasty and even some with holes, but she has also had some hits while thrifting.
“I found a pair of Carhartt jeans for $5,” Pauls said. “I went to Goodwill the same day and found two Carhartt shirts, both for $5.”
Thrift stores have a lot to offer. Although most people thrift clothes, there is more to a thrift store than just clothes. Sophomore Hope Ewy likes to thrift cool shirts and shoes. Ewy also says she buys room decor, tote bags and other little things she thinks are cool.
“[Thrifting] is more sustainable than buying fast fashion,” Ewy said.
Thrifting can help prevent the support of fast fashion. According to Sustainable Discovery, buying once-loved clothes and newly loved clothes gives them second chances. It is a good way to shop without spending lots of money, leaving a guilt-free feeling.
“Thrifting is not just about finding unique and affordable clothing; it’s also about reducing waste and helping to greener future.”
Not only does thrifting prevent fast fashion but also helps landfills. Thrifting has become more and more popular as the years come along. It has become more popular as our planet gets more destroyed. Junior Ani Koontz believes this is one of the benefits of thrifting. According to the Environmental Center at the University of Colorado, there are lots of negatives from landfills. They contribute to climate change, releasing methane gas and creating smog if not controlled properly.
“You prevent clothes from going into the landfill and don’t support fast fashion and bad consumerism,” Koontz said.
NHS English teacher, Lydia Deckert says her favorite stores to thrift at are the Et Cetera shop in town and the Dead Center Vintage shop in Wichita. She says growing up, her family thrifted most of her clothes because it was a cheaper option. Almost everything she wears is thrifted including some shirts she always wears. Deckert loves it when she gets lucky while shopping. Last summer she found a pair of brand-new vans for only $10.
Deckert’s positives of thrifting consist of bettering the environment and also having less of an impact on the world around us. Another positive is that some thrift stores sponsor charities.
“Thrift stores sponsor different charities so you could be donating money to good causes,” Deckert said.
Deckert says getting set back in thrifting may come from getting discouraged easily. Some advice she would give to someone wanting to start thrifting is to not buy anything more than $10 and go thrifting regularly. So next time when in a thrift store take the chance and give clothes another chance.
“Give yourself an hour at least to look through the skirts, shirts and whatnot. Think of something you already have that you can wear with it,” Koontz said.
