‍At Thompson Rivers University, thrift shopping provides students a cheap and earth-friendly method to show their style. In this podcast, students explain how they change second-hand items into special outfits, despite obstacles. Thrifting helps them stick to a small budget and lowers the need for new clothing, matching with eco-friendly goals. However, students often realize that keeping style, planet care and low cost isn’t easy.

Benefits of Thrifting

• Budget-Friendly: Thrift stores provide low-cost options, helping students stay trendy without overspending (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2024).

• Environmental Impact: Second-hand shopping minimizes textile waste and reduces the carbon footprint compared to fast fashion (Reichart & Drew, 2019).

Challenges and Compromises

•Some students feel limited by the limited styles in thrift shops. Fast fashion brands like Shein for example, offer cheap ways to get certain trends, which might be attractive when thrift choices are not. Shein’s low prices and many choices draw students, even if the brand is connected to not very eco-friendly (United Nations Environment Programme, 2022).
•Simplicity matters, too. Online fast fashion shopping is fast and personalized, while thrifting might need time to find good clothes, which is difficult for busy students who have to get other important things done.

Styling Choices


TRU students invent clever ways to style thrifted outfits by mixing old items with modern accessories or turning older clothes into trendy pieces. In this part, you’ll discover how TRU students support both the environment and fashion – even if they must accept some compromises.

References

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2024). The environmental cost of fast fashion. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

Reichart, E., & Drew, D. (2019). By the numbers: The economic, social and environmental impacts of fast fashion. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org

United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). The environmental costs of fast fashion. https://www.unep.org