Our current system of consumption isn’t working. We buy too many things, we hold onto them for a short time, and then we get rid of them with most of our things going directly to the landfill or offloaded onto much poorer nations. Natural resources are being depleted at a faster rate than the earth can replenish them, and these reckless consumption habits are taking a giant toll on the planet. We are told by brands, our friends and our phones that we should Always Be Consuming. Most items today are made in an extractive take, make, waste manner. Very little thought goes into the design of cheap, often plastic products, rather than designing products thoughtfully with the intention of repurposing items after they’re done with a long, useful life.
The sustainability movement is about changing our current system of consumption to one that prioritizes the long-term health and well-being of the planet, people, and economies.
Publicly traded brands need to grow, and it’s clearer than ever that most governments don’t care about what today’s decisions will mean in even 10 years. But, purchasing decisions are made by individual people, and we have the power to make change at a local level.
We are all connected. And no matter where you’re physically located, many communities share similar institutions: schools, community centers, PTOs, mayors, book clubs, shopping malls, and thrift stores. Plus, human beings crave connection with each other. How we spend our time in our communities influences the people around us. Local change can drive larger change.
Circular Thrift offers a playbook for individuals to drive change at a local level by embedding meaningful sustainability practices within their communities. You have the power to host clothing swaps, mending workshops and educational events in your neighborhood and shift consumption habits and scale reuse. Circular Thrift builds community and helps lead positive change at the hyperlocal level. Circular Thrift offers people a roadmap to make a difference, find purpose, and feel agency about our potential to be the change we wish to see in the world together.
Here’s some additional reading about our current system and just how destructive it is on our planet and for our future:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector
World Bank on Fashion and the Environment
European Parliament and Fashion’s Impact
If you feel the urge to “Do Something,” then we’d love for you to join us. As a Circular Thrift Sustainability Champion, you’ll have the tools, resources and support to reduce the impact of fashion on the environment. We can show you how to start and all learn and grow together.
