The rising popularity of thrifting culture among youths is reshaping consumer habits and contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. Thrifting, a concept that involves purchasing second-hand clothes and goods, has emerged as a meaningful alternative to fast fashion—a sector notorious for its environmental degradation.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that the fashion industry accounts for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and contributes around 20% of the world’s wastewater. Youth-led thrifting movements are helping reduce this impact by extending the lifecycle of clothing and diverting waste from landfills, ultimately fostering a culture of mindful consumption.
Governments and international organizations have recognized the environmental benefits of second-hand consumption. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that textiles account for 5.8% of total municipal solid waste, much of which can be reduced through reuse and recycling. Thrifting promotes circular economy principles and encourages keeping resources in use longer, extracting maximum value before recovery and regeneration, thereby reducing resource extraction and pollution.
In a country like India, where the fashion industry contributes significantly to industrial water pollution, the shift toward thrifting culture is gaining traction among urban youths. Online resale platforms and Instagram-based preloved shops are growing in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) promotes waste minimization strategies under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aligning with the reuse ethos of thrifting. These emerging trends help reduce textile waste in India’s urban centres while encouraging more eco-conscious behaviour.
Youth engagement in thrifting is also driven by affordability and individuality. Thrift platforms offer budget-friendly, unique fashion choices, encouraging environmentally conscious consumption. The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights how such choices can also reduce demand for exploitative fast fashion supply chains.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12 promotes responsible consumption and production, with youth-led thrifting aligning closely with its targets. As this movement expands, policymakers should support local second-hand markets and awareness campaigns to amplify its environmental benefits and long-term societal impact. Thus, thrifting culture is more than a trend and is becoming a sustainable lifestyle with real environmental impact. With continued support, it can help shape a more climate-conscious generation committed to responsible consumption.