I recently uploaded a post about why buying sustainable is more expensive, and for those of you who tend to find this is the case - I have some alternative options for you (which mean you don't have to buy new). Each of these options I have had a go at using and this is why I am recommending them to you...
Second hand sites
I have mentioned these so many times before, and I will forever go on about them. Sites such as Depop, Vestiaire Collective and Ebay allow you to buy and sell everything, new and old. Prices can be as high or low as you want, and items vary from luxury fashion brands to small businesses.
Search terms can be as broad or vague as you like, depending on what you are searching for, and a list of items will come up for you to scroll through. Item variation can be from Polaroid cameras to Gucci trainers, or trench coats to board games. Instead of looking for the item brand new on the original site, why not search on these second hand websites, where you can save the environment just that little bit.
Source: Crewel Ghoul
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook marketplace tends to have a lot of cheaply priced stuff which you can buy, or sometimes items can be free. Sometimes it can take a lot of scrolling and digging to find the perfect item, but they can be there...
You can also change the search area so that you can see items which are local or near to you, or if you want to widen your search area you can. This is the easiest platform for searching for items close to you; you can also filter the price and the condition of the item, depending on what you desire.
Source: She Does The City
Clothes swaps
There are plenty of ways which you can swap your clothes for new items. The likes of Facebook swap groups are handy for this, where you upload the items that you are wanting to get rid of, and someone will message you if they are interested. You can then either sell the item at a low price, or swap for one of their items that you like. I recently joined one of these groups and swapped some old flares I no longer wanted, for a new jumper! The Swap Family and The Swop Shop on Facebook are both Facebook groups you could join if this is something that catches your eye!
I have also seen "swap boxes" advertised - some small businesses are offering you to send in a weighted amount of old clothing for a surprise box of the same weight of clothing in return. @tallulahgoesgreen is a great Instagram account to check out - she created "style boxes" which contain anywhere between 3 and 12 items (depending on how much you want to pay). She will also take your old clothes that she thinks would be great for one of her boxes, and will give you credit towards buying your own style box. This allows you to donate your old clothes, get new clothes for cheaper and also supports a small business all at the same time!
Also, have a look out for clothes swapping events near you! People will hire a venue and ask others to come along and swap their clothes in person. This allows you to get all the benefits mentioned above, but you can see all the products in person. I have unfortunately not found one near me as of yet, but you bet when I see one, I will be going! If all else fails, set up and host your own clothes swap - the image below gives you the basics on how to do this:
Source: Just Little Changes
These are all handy as you are not spending money (except postage which is relatively cheap), and you are getting rid of an item you don't use any more, in exchange for something you want and would have bought. So, why not give swap groups a go? I don't see why not.
Charity Shops
And of course, let's not forget the trusted charity shops! Almost everywhere has a charity shop, and I know sometimes you might go in and find only things you would never be caught dead wearing but, sometimes you can find a hidden gem which catches your eye. If you're ever taking a walk and find yourself passing a charity shop, why not pop in for a few minutes and see if you can find something you like?!
Support small businesses
There are sooo many small businesses which are trying to make a name for themselves and sell their products. Many hand make their own jewellery and a lot source their own materials locally and hand sew their garments on their own. This can lead to some small businesses having a wait time on their orders, but unlike fast fashion companies, this means that no workers or the environment are not being exploited.
Below is a picture which shows how you can support small businesses further without spending any money:
Source: Holly & Co
Recommendation: The Swap Family - As mentioned above, this is a Facebook group where you can swap items of clothing, or buy and sell at cheap prices. It is super easy to do and everyone is super easy to message and organise a swap.
There are lots of different alternatives to buying from fast fashion companies, and although sometimes it can be expensive, there are even more alternatives which won't break the bank. If you have any other recommendations on how you can shop sustainably at a low price, do please reach out and let me know!
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