Sustainability has become a buzzword in the fashion industry and for a good reason. Fashion is one of the most polluting industries globally. Fashion´s impact on the environment cannot be overstated. With the rise of fast fashion, where clothes are the impact on the environment has increased manifold. The good news is that there are ways to make the fashion industry more sustainable, and one of the easiest ways to contribute is by buying second-hand.

When we think about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, it’s easy to think of the carbon emissions produced by the factories and shipping, but the reality is much more complicated. The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions, and the fast fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, just after oil. However, the environmental impact of fashion doesn’t stop there. Fashion production is responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 92 million tons of textile waste each year, with less than 1% being recycled. By 2050, the fashion industry could be responsible for 26% of the world’s carbon budget.

Buying second-hand is one of the simplest ways to combat the environmental impact of fashion. When we buy second-hand or vintage, we are giving clothes a second chance, and we reduce the need for new clothes to be produced. It’s estimated that extending the life of a garment by just nine months can reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprint by 20-30%.

Second-hand or vintage sustainability?

The terms “second-hand” and “vintage” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Second-hand refers to any pre-owned item. Vintage refers to items that are at least 20 years old and are of high quality and value. Vintage items are often associated with a particular era or style and are considered collectible. Second-hand items can be any type of pre-owned item.

Buying second-hand also has financial benefits, as pre-loved clothes are often much cheaper than new clothes. You can find unique and stylish pieces while saving money and reducing your environmental impact. Not only is buying second-hand or vintage better for the environment, but it also supports small businesses, charities, and independent sellers. We at Runway & Tell love that you can find one-of-a-kind pieces by buying vintage or second-hand.