Why is Thrifting Important?
Less clothing in landfills
- Americans alone throw away 13 million tons of clothing every year
- Most clothes are made from synthetic materials, which take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills
Fewer resources used and wasted.
- Making clothes takes a lot of water. It is estimated that one pair of jeans uses about 1,8000 gallons of water in growing the cotton used and in processing.
- Thrifting will help keep these resources from going to waste and help stop the drive of companies to be constantly producing more
Helps to reduce chemical pollution
- Most cotton used to make clothing is genetically modified which means growing it is highly pesticide-intensive. Pesticides can lead to soil acidification and water contamination.
- Textile manufacturing processes usually involve harmful dies and crude oil by-products. These excess chemicals are generally dumped into areas surrounding the manufacturing units which contaminates surface and groundwater.
- And so many more reasons!
How can thrift shopping benefit you?
- Cheaper!
- Develop a unique wardrobe
- Can find genuine vintage items or designer products at a fraction of the initial cost
- Learn to upcycle and turn clothes into a unique piece of your own
There are two big ways to join the sustainable Herd in reusing:
- Before you head to the store to buy something new, check thrift shops and online exchange sites.
- Instead of throwing your old items out, donate them or sell them secondhand.
These two actions will save the Earth while saving you money! Lucky for you, Boulder has plenty of resources to help you reuse. Thrift stores aren't all clothes and furniture- you can reuse almost anything around here!
Get Thrifty Locally
Goodwill
- Clothing, furniture, decorations, appliances, and more! This thrift store has so many treasures waiting to be found!
- You can also bring your used items to Goodwill! Clothing and household goods are accepted at the Basemar location as well as at the Donation Center on Walnut.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army works to provide resources to families in need, veterans, victims of natural disasters, and more. Drop off your clothing, furniture, and household goods at the Boulder location on 33rd st.
ARES
- This independently-run thrift store provides the lowest priced, gently-used furniture, clothing, and household items.
- Currently open Thursdays- Saturdays from 12pm- 5pm.
Plato's Closet
- Plato's Closet is a great resource for used clothing in Boulder and also pays for some clothing/shoes that are in good condition!
- From their website: "We're not your typical secondhand clothing store. The gently used clothing and accessories that we buy are top-name brands, cool, hip, trendy, clean, and in good condition. Typically we buy items that have been in the retail stores within the past 12 to 18 months and are current teen and young adult styles still seen in the mall."
Play it Again Sports
- Sells quality new and used equipment for winter sports, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, golf, soccer, cycling, fitness, and more!
- Also will buy your quality used gear for cash or store credit!
Boulder Sports Recycler Inc
- Premier outdoor gear consignment shop full of brand name products at very low prices
- Used bikes, hiking gear, skis and snowboards, climbing gear, and more!
Greenwood Thrift Shop and Consignment Gallery
- Upstairs Consignment Gallery has a large variety of quality furniture, home furnishings, and jewelry
- The downstairs thrift shop has a wide selection of clothes for men, women, and children as well as types of vinyl, antiques, books, and so much more!
- Currently open Thursday-Sunday from 11 am -4 pm.
Rags Consignments
- High-end women’s clothing consignment shop for clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry!
Facebook Marketplace
- If you haven’t checked out the marketplace located within your Facebook app, you should! There are new listings of just about everything (clothes to furniture to plants) listed everyday!
Craigslist/eBay
- There are always new listings posted on Craigslist and eBay! Although most people are just trying to sell their unwanted/unneeded items, make sure you stay safe and protect yourself by checking out this website before making a purchase or selling an item.
