Poppin Tags: How I Sustainably Shop for clothes & more

When I was in high school I started becoming aware of how much we produce and also waste in America. The average American trashes nearly 65 pounds of textiles each year. Almost half of the U.S also trashes perfectly usable textiles instead of donating them.  I wanted to reduce my eco-footprint and also be mindful of the conditions of which much of the clothing in our mainstream malls and stores are made.

The idea came to me that I could shop at thrift stores instead, thus reducing textiles that would be thrown away and giving them a new life, supporting some local businesses, and not directly contributing further to human sweatshops.

My new shopping places became goodwill, salvation army, local thrift stores, and consignment shops. Going out of your way to be mindful of our practices and habits, can usually get you rewarded. Thrift stores have prices on clothing that are half cheaper than items you can find at mainstream stores. You can realize how F*ing awesome it is popping those tags.

Word to note, consignment stores I find often a lot nicer and higher quality than thrift stores, but the consignment stores also have a client base of which they sell people’s stuff for a percentage. Thrift shops tend to have a lot more donated clothes which you can still find awesome things.

If you aren't cramming for finals and need a new wardrobe for summer. Here are some second hand stores accessible by UMBC transit.

Catonsville Line:

Doris’ Closet: get off at Mellor and Fredrick Road walk a few minutes back the way you came, past Peace A Pizza

Objects Found (antique store): Get off at Mellor and Frederick, turn and walk a little left and you should see it 🙂

Rolling Road Line:

Goodwill: Get off at Nuwood Dr. & Power’s Lane. It should be straight ahead and down the road a little. Arbutus Line:

Thrift Stores of Baltimore: Get off at Frederick Rd. & S. Chapel Gate Rd. Walk to Collins Avenue and turn left.

If you have any questions or ever want to carpool to a thrift store, drop me (Emily Anderson) a line at ande4@umbc.edu