thrifting and sustainability

Written by Anna Roe, Psychology '26

What does clothing have to do with sustainability?

Between 2000 and 2015, Americans increased their clothing use by 47% per person. The fashion industry is one of the largest global industries and is responsible for more than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Fast fashion produces an estimated 80–150 billion low-quality garments each year, many designed to be worn only briefly before being replaced. 

Looking at the environmental impact of clothing means considering its entire life cycle—from production to use to disposal. The biggest environmental impacts of clothing production come from water use, energy consumption, raw materials, and disposal. Many textiles rely on fossil fuels during production and release emissions during manufacturing and finishing processes. 

When it comes to disposal, the statistics are staggering. Textile production generates about 92 million tons of waste each year (Sandin & Peters, 2018). Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of clothing is discarded or incinerated worldwide (Baena, 2024).  

Because of its environmental impacts, the textile industry must significantly increase reuse and recycling to become sustainable by 2050. The goal of a circular economy is to keep materials in use longer and reduce waste by extending product lifespans. 

Consumer choices play an important role in making fashion more sustainable. Luckily, many people, especially Gen Z (a primary audience for fast fashion advertisements), care about sustainability in fashion. Choosing secondhand clothing helps reduce demand for new production and supports a more circular clothing system. 

How did we get here?

After the 1950s, the United States saw the rise of a “culture of disposal,” as disposable products became more common and waste management systems expanded. During this time, American culture shifted away from traditional ideas of thrift toward increased consumption. As consumption increased across generations, the amount of waste produced also continued to grow. 

In response, concerns about resource scarcity and environmental protection helped strengthen the environmental movement. These concerns supported policies focused on conserving resources and encouraging more responsible use of materials. Americans began using natural resources more efficiently—but at the same time, they used more of them than ever before (McNeill & Vrtis, 2011).

Since World War II, research has shown a connection between “being thrifty” and reducing household waste. Today, thrift continues to support the goal of extending the life of products and reducing environmental impact. 

Why reuse? 

Reusing clothing is one of the most environmentally beneficial options because it reduces the need to produce new garments. The environmental benefit of reuse comes from extending the life of existing items and preventing the impacts associated with manufacturing new ones. 

The exception to this is that when clothing can no longer be worn, textile recycling remains environmentally preferable to landfill disposal or incineration. Recycled textiles are often transformed into materials like industrial rags, insulation, upholstery filling, and low-grade blankets. Although textile recycling is often “downcycling,” it still significantly reduces waste and conserves resources compared to disposal. About 85% of textile waste is currently sent to landfill or incineration rather than reused or recycled. Textile recycling systems are still underutilized, even though most garments contain materials that can be recovered and reused. When unwearable clothing is donated to the thrift store, it is recycled to help reduce textile waste in landfills.

References

Baena, V. (2024). The shift from fast fashion to socially and sustainable fast fashion: The pivotal role of ethical consideration of consumer intentions to purchase Zara. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 31(5), 4315–4328. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2803 

McNeill, J. R., & Vrtis, G. (2011). Thrift and waste in American history: an ecological view. Thrift and Thriving in AmericaCapitalism and Moral Order from the Puritans to the Present, 508–530. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199769063.003.0021 

Sandin, G., & Peters, G. M. (2018). Environmental impact of textile reuse and recycling – A Review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 184, 353–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.266