What once may have been counterculture or even made fun of is making its way into the mainstream culture. Thrifting, or buying clothing and other items secondhand, has seen an increase in popularity in recent years.

According to Bustle, the millennial generation thrift more than any other generation, although they are also more likely to get rid of clothing after fewer wears which is more wasteful.

Thrifting clothing allows individuals to find clothing they would be unlikely to find in popular clothing chains, often at a lower price.

Sophomore Caitlin Rossiter enjoys thrifting for both of these reasons. “I find unique pieces that wouldn’t be in other stores,” Rossiter said in a digital interview. “You can find quality pieces for much less expensive.”

In some cases, designer items or unworn clothing—still with the tag and everything—can make their ways into secondhand stores. In cases like this, shoppers can purchase these items at a fraction of the original price.

Thrifting has other benefits as well. The items at thrift shops are always changing, so there is no need to wait around for next season’s trends.

Or, if you’re someone looking to defy the standards and trends, thrifting is a great way to find something daring or different. Finding the perfect piece is a lot like finding a buried treasure, which can make shopping second hand an enjoyable pastime with friends.

While thrifting can be good fun, for many people, thrifting is more than a way to find interesting or inexpensive clothing.

“It’s also good to know that the things you buy aren’t just going into landfills, but rather [are] going to a new home,” Rossiter said.

Associate Professor of English Dr. Suzanne Webster also goes thrifting for clothing out of environmental concern.

Around 14 years ago, Webster made a personal pledge not to buy any products or clothes unless they were secondhand, made of recycled materials or made of organic materials.

Webster made the decision due to her prominent interest in environmentalism.

She has been an environmentalist since age 18 or 19 when she volunteered with Operation Raleigh, now known as Raleigh International, in Borneo for three months. Webster was part of a team which assisted with the construction of a suspension bridge and a mosque.

In Borneo, Webster witnessed the process of deforestation firsthand, and saw the bulldozing of trees.

Webster is not the only one concerned with the environment. According to Bustle, 77 percent of millennials want to buy from “environmentally-conscious brands.”

Rossiter also appreciates that many thrift stores are run by charities. “You know where your money is going, and you can choose to support stores that give to good causes,” Rossiter said.

“I love donating to and buying from thrift stores for that reason, knowing that my money and clothes are going to help people and that they will find a good home.”

“For me it’s a life choice and it has to do with the fact that I think it’s crucial to be environmentally and socially conscious,” Webster said. “I want to remove myself as much as possible from Consumerism and the Capitalist loop. Some ways you can do this are by buying fewer things, buying things that are secondhand and ensuring that any new items you purchase are produced in a sustainable manner, by companies with good environmental and social practices.”

Webster would recommend that people are mindful of what they consume and encourage them to limit their consumption. Additionally, she feels it is important for people to educate themselves about environmentalism, over-consumption and “living green.”

There are many small ways for students to begin living in a more environmentally friendly way.

“It is a restrictive life-practice, in a way— you might have to give up stuff that you like,” Webster said. “So that you don’t feel as if you’re making huge or unmanageable sacrifices, try doing little steps at a time and maybe saying, I‘ll try and buy less, and buy as much as I can that’s used or sustainably produced. Just do it as much as you can, and try to make a new, additional change every month.”

“Never buy bottled water. That’s the first small step. Another would be declining to have the one-or-two small things you’ve just bought put into a (usually flimsy) plastic bag. If you’ve not brought your own reusable bag, just carry those items in your hands,” Webster said.

For those looking to live in a more environmentally friendly manner, upcycling is another way to reduce their wastefulness. Upcycling refers to the process of reusing materials or transforming them into other useful items.

According to alumna Dena Krebs, ‘07, a large part of upcycling is “Adding value—giving something greater value.”

Krebs is the owner of Creations Reimagined: Upcycled Gifts and Goods, located at 206 South Market Street in Elizabethtown.

Creations Reimagined is one of several businesses located in the building called the Hub at that address. Creations Reimagined sells upcycled and handmade items made by over 50 different artists and can now be found on Etsy under the shop name “CreationsReimagined.”

Creations Reimagined is celebrating its one year anniversary March 9 and 10 with sales, giveaways, photo opportunities and more.

Other businesses currently in the building include WhirliGig Unique Boutiques, which primarily makes new handmade items and Sew Pretty Creations, which does reupholstery, makes draperies and creates other decor items.

All of the businesses are run by women. In the future there will also be The Hive co-op workspace as well as a café in the Hub.

According to Krebs, it is important to upcycle to help reduce the amount of items thrown into the landfills “just because we want the new shiny thing.”
“We have so many resources already,” Krebs said. “We don’t need to use all the toxic chemicals and fuels that go into making new [things] when we have so many that just need a face life.”

For students looking to reduce wastefulness in their own lives, Krebs echos Webster’s anti-plastic message, recommending glass instead.

Some upcycling ideas Krebs shared that college students could easily do include making bunting or headbands out of old tee shirts, making essential oil diffusers out of old jars or even turning orange juice cartons into ID holders.

Additionally, Krebs cites Pinterest as being a great place to look for ideas on how to upcycle different items. “I would challenge people to look at their garbage that’s isn’t accepted under new recycling laws and pinterest it,” Krebs said.