“Sustainable Thrift” For the Rich?
Should rich people be able to thrift shop?
By Tymia Phathachack
When I was in 8th grade, I discovered the joy of finding cool clothes at thrift stores. However, it hasn’t always been “cool” or “trendy” to thrift; back when I started doing it, I was considered “gross” or “weird,” when in reality, I couldn’t afford to shop at regular stores. All of my clothes to this day are thrifted. I never shop online (except for Depop, of course) or shop at regular stores for my clothes. I get my furniture, books, and shoes at second-hand stores. I recall being made fun of at school for telling people I got my clothes at a second-hand store. The real question is whether anyone should be able to thrift shop. I’m mainly talking about “rich” people, and I’m on the fence about this question.
I find it very annoying that rich people thrift shop because I think it should be for people who can’t afford luxurious clothes. Whenever I see a boujee person thrift shopping, I shake my head and say to myself, “Wait, why are you in here if you can afford the clothes and outfits I’m trying to achieve?” But when I first started thrifting in middle school I remember thinking, “Why don’t they close down every store and only have people thrift, this is so sustainable and cheap!” I would also like to note that when I first started thrift shopping, my dad thought it was gross. He said, “You could be wearing a dead person’s clothes. That’s some bad juu juu.” My mom would just say, “If you don’t wash any of those clothes first, you are the nastiest child I have.”
Let’s be real: if you were to see someone like Kylie Jenner thrift shopping, you would be slightly irritated or mad about it. Then again, you have to give the rich people some credit, because they’re the ones who donate some of the fancier clothes.
A very important thing to consider is how sustainable thrift shopping is. Purchasing second-hand clothing keeps nylons, polyester, and other plastic-based materials out of landfills, and contributes to the decrease in worldwide textile demand and subsequent waste. By thrifting, you keep the resources invested in a more circular economy while not contributing to waste and pollution. At this point, we’re all aware of how bad the climate is.
One thing that annoys me lately is that thrift stores are increasing their prices because they know people who have “more money” are shopping there. This takes the fun away because you can’t find cheap second-hand items and makes thrifting less accessible for lower-income shoppers. I believe thrift shopping should be available to anyone, because at this point our climate is going to shit, and we as human beings should do everything in our power to help. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I believe that everyone should be allowed to save money in some shape or form. There’s also plenty of items at a thrift store for everyone to feel happy about making a cool purchase. Thrift stores like Goodwill also put the money they make to good use and typically donate it towards charities they support. Because Goodwill is a nonprofit, it uses all of its profits to fund its programs.
It’s up to you to determine if the wealthy should shop at thrift stores, but you can’t change people’s shopping habits. I say that if you support anyone shopping at second-hand stores, promote the stores and spread the word in order to help business and to help people become more sustainable! But if you don’t support it, I say you’d better find a bomb a$$ hiding spot in those stores so your items aren’t sold to those who are wealthier. ☺