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Writer's pictureLeah Wz

When you consign, you KNOW your items is getting into a new home.

🤯 Did you know that only about 25-30% of thrift store donations actually make it to the shelves? (We call it “wish-cycling”; But really, you’re just putting the work of disposing unwanted items onto someone else).

This startling statistic sheds light on a common but little-known issue in our consumption habits. When we donate items to thrift stores, we often assume they will be resold or repurposed, but the reality is far from that. Many donations end up in landfills due to poor quality or unsuitability for resale. This practice not only burdens charities with disposal costs but also contributes to environmental waste.

A benefit of consigning through Gear Hut is that you know 100% that your item is getting put onto a hanger for a future user! And you get to personally confront the fact that your stained or ripped T doesn’t have much value…

🪡It’s a good reminder to buy quality products that are meant to last, offering up life for future users, or support brands that have solid repair policies! Avoid the temptations and deals of fast fashion that only contribute to the staggering data: “The EPA reports that Americans generate 16 million tons of textile waste EACH year”.

Fast fashion encourages rapid turnover of clothing items, leading to increased waste and environmental impact. By choosing durable items and supporting brands committed to sustainability and repair, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint.

👉 Our fave way to use “dead” clothing? As rags! We are a papertowel-free household and use old t-shirts to clean up messes! Animal shelters are also a great place to donate sad towels and bedding.

Repurposing old clothes as cleaning rags not only reduces waste but also minimizes our reliance on disposable products like paper towels. Donating to animal shelters ensures that even well-loved textiles find a meaningful second life, providing comfort to shelter animals.

Our choices as consumers have a profound impact on our environment and community. By being mindful of what we buy, how we dispose of unwanted items, and supporting sustainable practices, we can all contribute to a healthier planet and a more responsible consumer culture. So, next time you clean out your closet, think twice about where your clothes will end up—and consider the positive impact of choosing quality and sustainability.

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