Our planet is in danger, and shopping sustainably is something that we can all do to help.
Avoiding fast fashion is no longer a distant dream. We now have options to live a sustainable, fashion-forward lifestyle that won’t cost the equivalent of a 4-bedroom detached house.
*The crowd goes wild*
The rise in popularity of Vinted, Depop, Facebook marketplace, and thrifting means that reusing and repurposing our clothing has become easier than ever.
However, it is important to remember to be ethical as well as sustainable!
How can I shop ethically on a budget?
One thing lockdown taught us is that you can access pretty much anything online —even budget-friendly secondhand items.
And the best part is that there are many different sites to choose from.
Let’s start with Vinted and Depop.
These apps allow you to buy or sell your pre-loved garms. The sellers on the apps upload pictures of the item they are looking to sell, whether it be a pair of cute black boots or a Motel Rocks dress that just didn’t quite fit.
They list a price and shipping cost, and just like normal online shopping, all you need to do is hit buy, and it will be delivered right to your door.
This method of clothes shopping may be preferable to alternatives, as you can speak with the seller and potentially haggle the price down!
Remember to be respectful with your offers — no lowballs!
If something is completely out of your price range and the seller cannot bring the price down any further, why not have a look at another site? Check out Facebook marketplace or eBay!
What if you are really craving the experience of going through clothes racks, trying items on, and speaking to real-life cashiers?
Well, the good news is that this is doable!
Thrift stores or charity shops offer preloved items that have been donated by the public at a discounted price.
Avoiding online scams and fakes
It can be a little bit intimidating buying stuff online from people you don’t know –especially if there isn’t an option to return the items.
However, there are several ways to protect yourself from scams.
Paypal
PayPal is an online app that enables you to manage your money. You can send money to family and friends, pay for services, and even pay bills.
PayPal is incredibly versatile, but most importantly, it is safe.
For example, if you’ve ordered a package using PayPal and it hasn’t arrived, you can open up a dispute until 180 days after your purchase to get your money back.
Furthermore, if the item ends up arriving and fails to match the seller’s description, PayPal can also reimburse you.
Just make sure that whenever you buy something online, you use the ‘Goods and Services’ option.
Do not pay a seller using the ‘Family and Friends’ option! This could mean that you are no longer entitled to any money back.
Proof before purchase
It may seem rude, but you are well within your right to request proof of purchase when rebuying an item online.
If you are not sure whether those shorts are real Cortez or a highstreet knockoff, ask the seller for a screenshot of the email confirmation they received from the original purchase or for a picture of the receipt. There is no harm in asking for some proof!
This rule also applies if you are concerned about the quality of an item. Have you ever fallen in love with a dress on Depop, only to find out that the seller has only taken pictures of the front and claims that it’s ‘unworn?’
You are well within your right to ask for additional questions, and sellers are usually happy to help if they can.
I don’t want to buy new clothes
Want a refreshed wardrobe without buying new items? I salute you! Underconsumption is totally in.
It can also be a fun way to acquire a new skill. Why not learn how to sew and take in those jeans that stopped fitting last autumn? Or funk up some flares with embroidery, beading, or iron-on patches?
Alternatively, you could take your learning to a whole new level!
Maybe consider using some yarn to whip up something new.
Crotchet is a versatile way to build your wardrobe from scratch. All you’ll need is crotchet hooks, yarn, and a few solid hours spent on YouTube or reading a crotchet book to master the skill.
This may seem a little daunting, but remember that starting is the hardest part.
How can I be sustainable and considerate?
Being sustainable has become a bit of a trend in recent years. In some ways, this is a good thing: We should all be trying our best to keep our planet thriving.
But it is also easy to forget ethical values when things get popular.
Side hustles
So, you’ve decided that buying and selling is the perfect side hustle for you?
That’s great; there is a cost-of-living crisis!
There’s nothing wrong with finding a new market for clothes you may have thrifted.
But before you ramp up the price on Vinted for a cute Y2K tee you brought for £5 at the Heart Foundation, consider this.
Did you buy this item from the charity shop just to resell it at an extortionate price? Or did you buy it thinking you might like it, only for it to not fit correctly, and are now seeking to give it a new home?
It can certainly be tempting to buy name brands or trending items in charity stores to make a profit. But just remember that charity stores are vital for many low-income households. They provide cheap and planet-friendly clothing to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
Why not see if you have any clothes in your wardrobe that you would like to sell first?
@rose.mei.gui Should we talk about styling the items to reach the target audience next? 😬 #vinted #vintedselling #fypシ #howto ♬ CRAFT – OFEKNIV
Or even take up a new crafting hobby to sell instead.
If you don’t intend to buy a charity store item to love it and give it new life, you should think about letting somebody else do it at a price that is accessible to them.
Repurposing your possessions serves to support a sustainable clothes lifecycle!
