Rising to the challenge of responsible consumption
What if every item of clothing we bought had the power to change the world? In September, the month of second-hand clothing, Oxfam is challenging us to buy nothing new. For the past 5 years, this awareness-raising movement has been encouraging us to rethink our consumption and take part in a circular, solidarity-based and sustainable economy.
The challenges facing the textile industry
Worldwide, 80 billion new items of clothing are consumed every year, 400% more than 20 years ago (1) !
The textile industry is responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in a single year. And on a global scale, 85% of textiles end up in landfill sites during that same year.
The benefits of buying second-hand
As consumers, we can make a conscious choice to reduce our consumption by re-evaluating our needs, buying better, reusing, repairing and favoring second-hand purchases (2).
Buying second-hand clothes allows us to optimize our wardrobe at lower cost, while reducing our environmental impact. It’s also an opportunity to find a wide variety of unique, timeless pieces that allow us to express our personalities.
It’s an increasingly popular mode of consumption, and a (r)evolution that our loyal volunteer Carole, who has been involved with our Boutiques for over 10 years, observes on a daily basis:
”In my opinion, the second-hand craze is linked to rising prices and a new ecological and ethical awareness. We’re seeing more and more thrift stores, which offer vintage as well as recent clothes.
It’s no longer shameful to store in second-hand stores; on the contrary, we’re proud to be able to recover the clothes we wear.
We’re not denouncing fashion, but rather overconsumption. We need to consume less, but better.’’
Shopping to pamper yourself and do good
Located in the heart of Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal, the two Little Brothers Boutiques offer a wide selection of top-quality second-hand items at friendly prices.
All funds raised are donated to the Little Brothers Foundation to support its work and counter the social isolation of seniors. So, by shopping in our two boutiques, you’re not only helping to protect the environment, but also making a difference in your community. A gesture for you and a good cause!
Shopping second-hand for the first time?
Let our volunteer Carole inspire you:
“Come and see, you’ll be surprised at the discoveries you can make! Second-hand shopping opens the door to creativity, it’s an opportunity to break away from your usual clothing habits and try something new, at an affordable price. I like to say that when you store second-hand, you don’t find what you’re looking for, it’s the garment that finds you.”
Sources :
(2) https://fr.davidsuzuki.org/mode-de-vie/pourquoi-et-comment-magasiner-de-seconde-main/
