Fast Fashion is the act of companies mass-producing garments of cheaply-made and trendy clothing and selling them at lower prices.

In addition to the fact that Fast Fashion companies exploit their workers in inhumane ways with unjust hourly wages and extreme manual labor, the effects of Fast Fashion help contribute to the growing problem of climate change.

When companies like Shein and Forever 21 mass-produce their products, the factories used add to the greenhouse gasses already damaging the climate. Furthermore, the copious harmful dyes and chemicals that are released into the oceans at the hands of Fast Fashion companies negatively impact our waters and our ecosystem.

As people attempt to become climate conscious, it easy to focus on dietary changes and ways to reduce pollution while completely disregarding the importance of clothing. Focusing on where you buy your clothing and what you do with your clothing is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. It is for that very reason that I recommend thrifting!

For starters, there are so many amazing places in the Portland Metro area to thrift cute used clothing at affordable prices. Stores like Value Village and Goodwill have typically cheaper clothing than higher-end thrift stores in Portland such as Buffalo Exchange; however, while those cheaper shops have comfy sweaters and mom jeans, the higher-end stores are better for finding unique-looking pieces that can stay in your closet for years.

In addition to thrifting, an ethical and climate conscious way to shop, you can reduce and reuse the clothes that you already have. Not only can you donate old clothing to thrift stores, but you can donate them to charity causes, such as the one happening here at Tualatin by the TuHS Helping Hands Club for the Children’s Cancer Association. Furthermore, you can reuse your old clothing by turning the cloth into rags, belts, scrunchies and more.

As someone who tries to get the majority of my clothes from ethical sources and thrift shops, I know how difficult it is to avoid the appeal of Fast Fashion. Going on an online shopping spree, especially during the holiday season is difficult to avoid, and being aware of ethical sourcing adds another step to your usual shopping routine. With that being said, if you truly wish to reduce your carbon footprint, thrifting and reusing clothing is a great first step, and nothing is more rewarding than finding an amazing $2 sweater.