Photo courtesy of senior Ella Mendoza

  Many San Luis Obispo High School students are taking advantage of our county’s local thrift stores.

Thrifting and shopping second hand has many environmentally friendly and affordable benefits that has made it a great option compared to regular or fast fashion shopping. With dozens of stores in SLO county, there are options and styles for everyone, from digging in the Goodwill bins in attempts to find the perfect pair of oversized Levis jeans to the organized racks at second hand vintage stores.  

Expressions decided to look into SLOHS students favorite local thrift goldmines as well as some information about the various benefits of thrift culture.

  “I enjoy thrifting rather than regular shopping because it’s a sustainable option. Most things that you find at the thrift store are unique and others don’t have, and also because it’s cheap,” said junior Tati Orozco.
  Shopping second hand is a significantly more sustainable option. Opposite of fast fashion, buying clothes that already exist reduces the chemical pollution and carbon footprint by reducing the resources that would otherwise be put into the creating and buying of new clothes. Thrifting also delays existing clothes and other products from ending up in the landfill. Not to mention, the clothes that end up in thrift stores tend to be older and one of a kind.
  “I prefer thrifting so I can be more environmentally friendly and have original/vintage clothes,” said senior Rachel Loberstein.
  It’s super accessible and easier than one might think to find some hidden gems in thrift stores. Our community offers some great options.
  “My favorite thrift stores in SLO would probably be the Goodwill outlet, Fred and Betty’s, and A Satellite of Love,” said Orozco.
  Thrifting is also extremely affordable so it’s a super awesome way to ball on a budget.
  “If I’m going with friends I usually go to Goodwill but I also like Foxy’s which is a small thrift store in Morro Bay. I’m broke and it’s fun to go and put together weird funky outfits with friends on a low budget,” said senior August Hicks.
  Recently online shopping platforms have become more popular with apps such as Depop and Poshmark where it is super easy to buy as well as sell unique pieces. It’s a good way to directly support self-made businesses and most sellers are selling vintage, older clothes.
   “I have used Depop in the past if I’m looking for something specific, but usually I like to go to second hand stores for the variety,” said Loberstein.
  However, buying clothes from in person thrift stores and reselling for upscaled prices on apps is often criticized as unethical, and people fear that it leads to the gentrification of thrift stores, as it makes it more difficult for low-income people who rely on thrifted, more affordable clothing.
  “I have used Depop in the past to sell and purchase clothes, as well as Poshmark, but find thrifting locally a better option,” said Orozco.
  Check out local thrift stores to find some great closet staples and take care of the planet!