Ethical Living and Keeping It Simple

With the surge of second hand clothes stores popping up everywhere, it really does pose the question if we actually need to buy new clothes from regular clothes stores in 2026. Lets face it, why spend 90 euros on a winter coat in shop X when you can get the same version for 15 and the difference can go towards groceries or the kids piano lesson. Of course, we dont say this out loud as noone likes to appear broke and its not good for street cred. Also it goes without saying, if you do have time to actually rummage and look at labels ( a thing that I do) , you can actually find some gems- italian made, local made , tailor made garments. I say these are gems because not only are they of high quality but also have been manufactured in Europe where labour practices are sound.

Recently I have been blessed with the opening of a well known branch of a second hand store within spitting distance of my abode in the centre of Barcelona. At the moment there is the end of season sale which means everything is 5 euros – it progressively decreases until everything is 1 euro .I was indeed chuffed to find a very classy Italian beige winter coat and 2 very classy pairs of boots for a total of 15 euros. What more can I ask Needless to say , Spain has come a long way since I arrived in the mid nineties. Second hand clothes were not on the table so to speak not to mention in the shops! As our children grew up and things naturally evolved as did Flea markets , it seemed that the Vintage Markets started appearing – basically what we wore in the 80s or listened to – WOW – overnight we became vintage and retro . However , after the initial blow to our egos that we were becoming old , the best thing that was coming out of all this, was re educating the masses on the second hand recycling concept. Hand in Hand , more vintage shops and more second hand shops started to appear.

There are other benefits related to shopping at second hand clothes stores. It directly counteracts the wasteful fast fashion model which depends on fast production, low prices and elevated consumption often involving labour practises in the third world which are unethical. Some of the major brands are only paying their employers in these countries 1 dollar a day . This is why it is good to buy clothes that have been manufactured in Europe. Shopping second hand also reduces textile waste and lessens the demand for resources like water . It also lowers the carbon footprint.

There may be some factors to be mindful of when recycling clothes . Always clean clothes after buying as not doing so could cause skin problems. Some products such as bedding and matresses and helmuts might not be advisable to buy second hand . Electrical appliances could also be faulty so buyers should also be very mindful upon purchase. However clothes in general can be recycled and enjoyed for many years and for many generations . So get yourself to your nearest thrift store or second hand store and start rummaging!