Although it can be exciting to buy a new pair of shoes or a jacket that you adore from a retailer, there’s a cost that comes with every new item of clothing we buy, which goes beyond the money we put into it.

Many people are focusing on moving towards more environmentally sound clothing items and how they can keep wearing new pieces without buying them brand new.  

These are the top ways to buy secondhand items that are awesome for the environment and great for your wallet.

You’re More Likely to Love it And Donate It

When buying secondhand, we feel a bonus of excitement when we find a great deal or an item that we adore.  Not only is secondhand far cheaper, but it also offers the advantage of being purchased and used multiple times over.  People who buy secondhand or from thrift stores are far more likely to donate or resell their items when they’re done with them.  This ensures another piece stays out of landfills and gives you the chance to pass a loved item on to another fan of it.

There’s Less Need for New Items to be Created

Fast fashion is a problem we’re seeing global effects from, so you must do everything you can to help fight back against it. However, our wallets can do most of the talking for us when we allow them to show our interest or disinterest in fashion trends.  This means instead of buying five brand new tank tops for ten dollars at a fast-fashion retailer; you seek out tops that you love and will want to wear time and time again at a secondhand retailer.

Reused Items are Often Sturdier

If an item can last through multiple owners, the chances are that it’s a sturdy item that will last you for years.  This means that instead of buying numerous coats to replace this one you own, you can use it and style it differently when you want to give it new life.  This ensures that multiple coats don’t have to be purchased, created, and thrown into the trash and instead allow this coat to fill that role.  You don’t have to get sensible items only and seek out flexible pieces, but this is a great part of buying used clothes and things that can improve both your life and the environment.

This is Especially Important for Kids’ Clothes

Children go through clothes at a blinding rate that’s hard to keep up with.  If you have trouble with trying to ensure that your kids always have comfortable clothes because they’re growing or they’re quick to tear or damage them: that’s perfectly normal accidentally!  

Thankfully used kids clothes give you the chance to ensure that your kids don’t have to have endless new clothing and that the clothes they have are strong enough to stand up to rough wear.  This is an awesome way to help the environment while allowing your kids to have clothes that fit regardless of how quickly they’re growing.