If you want the environment to take care of you, you need to first take care of the environment. Pollution and climate change are the most talked-about topics these days. The popularity of fast fashion is creating a substantial negative impact on the environment. Buying used shoes and clothing can be an excellent way to limit the negative impacts of fast fashion.
There are numerous thrift stores that sell used shoes in bulk. Shopping at such stores is more sustainable and eco-friendly, and more people are starting to realize this. There is a growing market for used shoes, clothing, and accessories globally. The used shoe market in the US is valued at $1 billion and is steadily rising with each day.
What can you get by buying used shoes?
Most people understand the importance of buying good shoes. They are aware of how comfortable shoes support your body and prevent leg and back pain. However, not many people are aware of the benefits of buying second-hand shoes.
Unluckily, there is still a strong misconception among people that used shoes are usually in worn-out condition. However, visit a thrift store, and you will see how wrong that is. Many of the shoes that you find in these stores have only been lightly used and are in excellent condition.
Let’s take a look at the various benefits of buying used shoes.
High-quality
Did you know that used shoes go through a complicated sorting and grading process? Only the ones that pass are then sold to customers. So, what you get are high-quality shoes at a fraction of the price.
Besides getting high-quality items, another benefit is that you can get your hands on some amazingly unique shoes. You will never see such shoes in your local store or mall. Despite being rare, these shoes could be yours at a very affordable price.
Talk to regular thrift shoppers, and they will tell you that you can find a lot of designer shoes too at thrift stores. Even though these shoes are from reputable brands, you can get them at unbelievably discounted rates.
When you can get unbelievably high-quality shoes at a second-hand shop, why waste money buying new ones? Buying used shoes means you save money and also slow down the trend of harmful fast fashion. A win-win, isn’t it?
Eco-friendly
Rubber is a common component of most shoes, and rubber production is extremely damaging to the environment. Like used clothing, most of the second-hand shoes also end up in landfills. When shoes decompose in landfills, they can release toxic chemicals, causing severe land pollution.
When you buy used shoes, you put these shoes back into use. Reusing prevents them from ending up in a landfill preventing air, water, and soil pollution.
Another reason why buying such shoes is eco-friendly is because they reduce the demand for new shoes. When there is less demand for new shoes, production is reduced, and you waste less raw material, water, and energy. The lesser the carbon emission, the better it is for the environment. Putting used shoes back to use enhances sustainability and reduces waste.
Luxury brands
The importance of sustainability is not lost on luxury brands, most of which are known for their expensive, new shoes. Several luxury brands such as LVMH, Stella, Richemont, and McCartney have decided to dip their toes in the second-hand market. Many others are following suit.
This is good news for the already growing second-hand clothing and shoes market. For customers, it means that they will now be able to buy used shoes from many more luxury brands than currently available.
What do experts have to say?
When it comes to used shoes, many people have a lot of apprehensions. They are worried about the health risks and the condition of the shoes themselves.
Experts from various fields have their views on sustainability and how buying used shoes can help.
Dr. Sahadat Hossain, Director of the Solid Waste Institute for Sustainability at the University of Texas, Arlington, says that excessive production of shoes causes most of them to be sent to landfills. In the dump, shoes can leach heavy metals, plasticizers, and other toxic chemicals, which are extremely harmful to the environment.
Tiffany Fuller, Deputy Director of Reuse, Special Waste and Apartment Programs at the New York City Department of Sanitation, believes in donating used shoes. She says that a pair of shoes may seem worn out to one person, not necessarily to the other. The other person could put these shoes to good use.
Belle Bakst, an Instagram influencer, says that the most enticing reason to buy second-hand shoes is designer discounts. She bought a pair of Dior shoes that retail for $650 at just $70.
According to podiatrist Diane Koshimune, gently used shoes that have been sanitized pose no health risks. Used shoes should only be avoided by those who are immunocompromised.
There are numerous benefits to buying used shoes in bulk, financial, social, and environmental. However, just as it is important to reuse used shoes, it is equally important to recycle those that cannot be sold.
Samiyatex specializes in exporting and grading used clothing and footwear. Their vintage apparel division features high fashion brands like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Versace. Visit Samiyatex to shop for high-quality, sustainable fashions.
