Have you tried thrifting? For fashion lovers, thrifting is an activity that is not only fun but also has benefits for the environment. This activity invites us to buy used or used items preloved thereby reducing textile waste that ends up in landfills. However, behind the benefits, thrifting can also trigger impulsive behavior. Tempted by cheap prices and goods limited edition, we end up buying a lot of things that we don't need. How to do fun thrifting and still support a sustainable lifestyle? Check out the tips here!

What is Thrifting?

Thrifting is the activity of buying used goods that are still suitable for use, such as clothes, accessories, furniture, and other items. Usually, stuff thrifting comes from second-hand clothing stores, flea markets, garage sales, or platforms online such as Instagram and Carousell. This trend has become increasingly popular recently as an alternative to culture fast fashion which is considered harmful for the environment.

The Popularity of Thrifting in Indonesia

Train thrifting in Indonesia increasingly popular in recent years. This is driven by several factors, such as:

• Awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry: The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors of waste in the world. Thrifting is a more environmentally friendly alternative to updating your wardrobe without having to buy new products.
• Desire to be different and unique: Thrifting allows us to find unique items and vintage which is not easy to find in regular stores.
• More affordable prices: Goods thrifting are generally sold at a much cheaper price than new items.

The Influence of Thrifting on a Sustainable Lifestyle

Thrifting has several significant positive impacts on sustainable lifestyles. Here are some of them:

1. Reducing Textile Waste & Extending the Life of Goods

Industry fashion is one of the largest contributors of waste in the world. Shopping for used clothes means helping to reduce the amount of textile waste that accumulates in landfills. Thrifting provides an alternative solution to extend the life of clothing and prevent it from ending up in landfill.

2. Support the Local Economy

Lots of shops are thrifting and managed by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With thrifting, we directly help the local economy and support small entrepreneurs. Besides that, thrifting also opens up opportunities for craftsmen and designers to recycle and modify used clothing into unique and creative new products.

3. Promote Environmental Awareness

Thrifting also indirectly increases public awareness about the negative impacts of the industry fashion on the environment and encourages them to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Mindful Thrifting Tips

Although thrifting offers many benefits, it is important to do it with mindfulness so as not to get caught in impulsive consumption patterns. Here are some mindful thrifting tips:

• Make a shopping list: Before going shopping, make a list of the items you need. This will help you to focus and not be tempted to buy things you don't need.
• Set a budget: Calculate how much money you want to spend on thrifting. This will help you not to buy too many things and drain your wallet.
• Check the quality of goods: Be sure to check the quality of the item carefully before purchasing. Check for damage, stains, or other defects.
• Think again before buying: Ask yourself whether you need this item. If not, don't force yourself to buy it.
• Take good care of items: After purchasing goods thrifting, treat them well so that they can be used for a longer time.

Thrifting can be a fun and stylish way to live a sustainable lifestyle. By following the tips above, you can maximize the benefits of thrifting and become a consumer mindful.