Goodwill has never been cooler to shop at (and I’ve been doing it since I was 10!) – it even has its own documentary in the works.
A laid-off journalist, Jenna Isaacson, has decided to bring more attention to positive second-hand, sustainable consumerism with her documentary: "All Thrifty States: A Visual Journey through America’s Collective Closets." Isaacson is currently traveling the country in a fuel-efficient RV from Cruise America through Aug. 8 documenting the Goodwill, second-hand lifestyle.
There are several things I love about this project:
1) It’s great PR for Goodwill, a second-hand retail establishment that helps keep our “stuff” out of landfills and employs folks who have trouble getting jobs in traditional retail environments.
2) A laid-off journalist has found a way to pursue her passion and have it sponsored by the likes of Goodwill and Cruise America. She funded the trip through Kickstarter.com. (This is yet another thing I love about our society – raising money for personal causes and creative projects is now "in.")
3) It’s saving the world. Goodwill “diverts” more than 2 billion pounds of goods from landfills and eight out of every 10 dollars goes towardsproviding job training for those struggling to find jobs. Amazing!
And this is the way we can all save the world. Take what we’re passionate about and find a way to make the world a better place with it. Goodwill has been around for what seems like forever, and they are consistently finding ways to keep their brand alive and do good for the world.
Is there anything better?
Are you a second-hand retail fan? Know of other retailers who are leading the charge in saving our world? Tell us about it here!
-Heather Strang
I love love love second hand. It's actually called vintage now, by those who have been traumatized by mockeries when they were young because of their weird clothes and their non-conformist, brandless dress code. Call them what you like, second-hand clothes are fun because they have a certain aura, a history. Sometimes this aura can be a bit smelly, but nothing that a good wash can't fix.
I started by taking my grandmother's clothes and altering them when I was about 14. Then my dad's shirts. When I had money of my own, I scoured the charity shop bins, the second-hand stores for discarded treasures, the flea markets for one of a kind clothes and accessories.
The city where I have seen the most second-hand shops is Berlin, Germany. Everywhere you look, there are stores selling second-hand clothes or clothes made out of older clothes. And finding great second-hand items is like a treasure hunt. In my opinion, this hunt is what retail fun is all about. And if it contributes to create jobs and spare the environment, what's not to love?
Maya,
I'm so out of style. Vintage! Of course that's what it's now called. So much cooler, right?
I'm with you – the hunt, the sustainability, the cost savings, the jobs for others – there is nothing but LOVE to have for Goodwill and other vintage focused shops.
Berlin has the most? I must check it out. Thank you for being our international pulse check. You rock!
-Heather