Do you want to ditch Fast Fashion while still keeping up with fashion trends? You can find trendy, affordable clothes at your local thrift shop! You can easily buy second hand when you are in the mood for something new, need a one time outfit, or just want to revamp your closet.
But how does thrifting help the community?
At Care and Share, we are a not-for-profit thrift store where our sales go to support the local and global relief, development and peace projects of Mennonite Central Committee. Some of the programs that our sales support are Indigenous Reconciliation, Supporting People in Poverty, Material Resources, Refugee Resettlement, and Restorative Justice. Care and Share also supports a number of local charities through the donation of items to support their programs.
Shopping at thrift stores can help your community and provide a welcoming place for volunteers to make a sustainable, tangible difference in your town.
Care and Share and thrift stores in general, offer a huge selection of high quality clothing and items at a fraction of the cost of new clothes. At Care and Share, we have a “Boutique Collections” corner that is packed with designer and brand name clothes. We offer a huge amount of trendy and vintage clothes, footwear, accessories, jewelry, and more! By thrift shopping, not only is it an adventure every time you step foot in the store, but it is also a sustainable way of shopping and effective way of protecting the environment.
Did you know that thrifting is not only economically friendly, but also environmentally friendly? The fashion industry uses 1.5 trillion litres of water a year! 200 tons of water is used to dye 1 ton of fabric and that 70 million barrels of oil are used to produce polyester annually. Fashion manufacturing makes up between 2-8% of global carbon emissions and contributes to nearly 20% of the globe’s wastewater according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
So, what can we do and how can being thrifty help? By buying second hand, we are reusing items that would otherwise head to landfills. At Care and Share, we also offer metal and electronic recycling to help reduce waste. By donating used items to a thrift store, you give them a second life!
Perhaps the most important reason to shop at thrift shops, is because of the cost savings. You can find brand new clothes, electronics, housewares and home décor, books and media, and even vintage and collectible items for cheap! Each week we offer 75% off Colour Sales that you can enjoy. You can even thrift shop online!
Think Thrift!
The next time you are looking to shop, consider buying second hand. The Care and Share Thrift Shop in Stouffville has been active in our community for over 40 years. We would love for you to come in and see what thrifting is all about, how to be sustainable, and to even offer upcycling ideas! We also offer volunteer opportunities for students, adults, and retirees.
We can be found at:
33 Ringwood Dr.
Stouffville, ON
L4A 8C1
(905) 640-1410
Joel Knights
Volunteer Coordinator
Care and Share Thrift Shop
