Kaia Ryden on March 2025

Have you ever tossed out an old shirt, thinking, “I’m done with this, and no one else would want it”? This mindset contributes to the overconsumption and excessive waste of consumer products. (The same applies to items like old dishware, furniture, picture frames, blankets, and more.) What you see as trash could actually find new life and purpose in another household.

Many people generously donate their old belongings to thrift stores, charity shops, and shelters, giving these items a second life. While this is commendable, a significant number of individuals continue to support retailers like Target, H&M, Walmart, and online platforms such as Shein and Temu, even as they contribute through donations

I’ll be the first to admit, those price tags can be hard to resist, but the truth behind why these items are so inexpensive is deeply troubling. Fast fashion has thrived for years, largely due to the convenience it offers. As the name suggests, the defining feature of fast fashion is its rapid production—speed over sustainability

As a result, the quality and durability of these clothes and items are often disregarded. Orders may arrive in incorrect sizes or colors, and the materials used are typically the cheapest available. Disturbingly, there have even been reports of PrettyLittleThing (PLT) items allegedly arriving infested with fleas. Although PLT has denied claims of warehouse infestations, this serves as just one example of the controversies surrounding businesses in this industry.

Another critical aspect of fast fashion is the production process. Many of these companies rely on sweatshops—workplaces where workers face exploitation through excessively long hours and extremely low wages. These conditions are widely condemned as unethical due to the poor treatment of employees.

Moreover, the fashion industry—particularly fast fashion and the use of sweatshops—contributes significantly to the planet’s carbon footprint, accounting for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions.

Fast fashion not only churns out low-quality products and exploits workers, but it also wreaks havoc on the environment. As stewards of this planet, it is our duty to protect and nurture its health for future generations—action is not just an option; it’s a necessity.

So, how can we make a difference? Recycling is a powerful habit that can extend beyond clothing and furniture to every aspect of your life. By recycling—whether through sending items to a recycling center or repurposing them yourself—you help divert waste from landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Landfills are vast mounds of discarded materials, from everyday trash to used items, that release unpleasant odors and harmful chemicals into the soil, causing environmental harm. Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills is a meaningful step toward building a greener and more sustainable planet.

Donating and repurposing items can be a simple and impactful way to make a difference. For clothing, consider donating to thrift stores or charities, or explore creative projects to upcycle old clothes. If you’re handy with sewing, transform an old shirt into a bag, a different garment, or fabric for another purpose. Not into sewing? Repurpose shirts as cleaning rags or for other crafty uses—or simply share with friends who might appreciate some free clothes!

When it comes to furniture and household items, numerous organizations focus on connecting donated goods with people in need. One example is Bridging, a local organization that helps families achieve housing stability by providing donated furniture and household essentials. Their efforts divert over 14 million pounds of items from landfills annually.

Every small action adds up. By embracing the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, you can show the world a little more love and work toward a brighter, greener future.