Thrifting is a Creative, Easy Way to Reduce Your Annual Carbon Emissions
Less Consumption
Reducing purchases of new, imported, and especially synthetic (i.e. fossil-based) textiles can reduce the typical consumer’s annual carbon emissions and help keep our planet clean and healthy.
Follow the “4Rs” to lighten your carbon footprint:
Refuse (don’t fall for Fast Fashion)
Reduce (buy fewer items, less frequently)
Reuse (thrift, regift and creatively repurpose or upcycle)
Recycle (donate and consign)
The 4Rs make for a simple yet effective way to help us consider the items that we buy, use and dispose of. When we choose to stop and think about each of the 4Rs it helps us to consider a number of important aspects related to our consumption - from what we buy, to how we can reduce, to what can be reused, and how we eventually get rid of it.
Read more about fashion’s impact on the environment:
East Bay Thrift Store Suggestions to Get You Started
American Cancer Society Discovery Shop locations are in need of your gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry, housewares and furniture. Your donations are tax-deductible and all proceeds support the American Cancer Society.
127 41st Street, Oakland (just off Piedmont Ave)
Large or small, donations are always welcome, provided the items are clean, undamaged and ready to be priced for the sales floor. Your generous contributions support UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and help provide world-class healthcare to children in need.
5290 College Ave., Oakland
They buy men’s and women’s current, on-trend clothing, accessories and shoes in excellent condition. View their Selling Guide for the most up-to-date information.
5901 College Ave., Oakland
Dress Best For Less (DBFL) appreciates ongoing community support with donations of gently used clothing, books, sporting goods and small household items. (Please no computers, non-working electrical items, soiled, stained or moldy items.) DBFL is a nonprofit organization to benefit the Piedmont public schools and donates most of its profits to the Piedmont Education Foundation.
4020 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
Donation Drop Off: First Congregational Church at 2501 Harrison (across from Whole Foods)
They strive to create a community connection through the recycling of women's clothing and accessories and are looking for designer casual clothing and accessories, gently worn and of the last 2 years.
3251 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland
Reputable Pre-Owned Online Shopping
You may already familiar with big names like Ebay and CraigsList which sell everything, both pre-owned by consumers and via resale dealers. There are also clothing specific, and sometimes high-end designer resale sites online. Examples are Poshmark, The RealReal and Luxury Garage Sale.