A few years ago, inspired by the stylish and thrift fellow bloggers, Emily of the Daily Fashionista, and the unforgettable Reva of Reva's Rags to Roses, I created a pledge. You can see the start of it HERE. Realizing that I was partial to style bloggers who focused on vintage and/or thrift shopping, and that they, like myself were trying to do their part to be ethical and sustainable shoppers. Reva and I discussed this and she made a pledge widget for us to display on our sidebars. I recently ran across this pledge on a blogger's sidebar, someone I didn't know, and someone who didn't know that the pledge was originated by me. What we both knew, is that we were both committed to creating a lighter carbon footprint, and one of our strategies was to SHOP SECONDHAND FIRST.
The Original 2011 Pledge:
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| (Credit: Graphic by Reva, Text by Bella Q) |
As we near the end of 2012, I'd like to open up this pledge to the Rosebud community. For 2013, I'm taking the pledge again- and I invite you to join me.
I'm creating a new page so you can take the pledge there.
Widgets are in the making, so let me know if you'd like one made for you.
I would appreciate that you give proper attribution for the pledge and kindly link up to me if you use it) but the commitment to it is 100% up to you!
Here's the pledge for 2013:
Shop Secondhand First
I pledge to shop secondhand first. I resolve to buy items that are thrifted, swapped or hand down. My aim is to limit my consumption, and in doing so I make my shopping more sustainable. I pledge to support businesses who commit to sustainable + smart design. My focus is on quality, ethically produced new is my conscious go-to. I will barter and swap when possible, and shop charity, consignment and flea markets when probable. I pledge to shop secondhand and sustainable because I put the planet first.
I invite you to join me in taking the Secondhand pledge.
You can get more info on the new SHOP SECONDHAND FIRST page.
Tell me, are you willing to take the plunge, and take the pledge?
Ihave been with you in this plege from the beginning, my dear Bella.
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Hi Bella, I will be sharing the pledge on my blog. It has become a way of life for me now. I am so grateful to the supportive blogging community for inspiring me to keep going and I will be challenging others to take the pledge too.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Thanks for spreading good in the world.
ReplyDeleteOf course! I'm with you on this all the way.
ReplyDeleteBeen doing it all my life,baby!
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Love it! I'm doing that already (with clothing exchanges, thrifting, and repurposing) and I'm happy to pledge and spread the word!
ReplyDeleteThis is great!
ReplyDeleteGreat pledge and a brilliant blog! I've had a similar pledge going on in my internal monologue for many years :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Enalina! I'd like to know the name of your blog so I can check it out!
DeleteGood idea Bella. I'd like to go a step further and remove the consumerism altogether, or at least lower it a notch or two. Second hand shopping can be pretty addictive too.
ReplyDeleteI've been using what I have to make whatever I might want or need. Refashioning, mending, or making due, I'm half way through my second year. (I broke down once and bought second hand boots.) It's brought my creativity to a higher level. I'd like to encourage people to take a pledge to stop shopping and start sewing! A least a little, and for as long as you choose.
Excellent idea Bella, and I will certainly take the pledge. I've purchased most of my clothing secondhand this past year, and will continue to do so as much as I can.
ReplyDeleteHow do I get a widget to put on my blog?
I renew my long-standing pledge to these values!
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DeleteAlways done it, can't see it ever changing! x
ReplyDeleteI've been thrifting about 90% of my clothing for the last couple of years. I'm thrifting for the hubster, too. Basically, unless I have a gift certificate, I only buy underclothes and some shoes (I find little my size in thrifts)
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for the pledge!!
Did it in my 20's stopped for a while but now I'm with you ladies all the way!
ReplyDeleteMost definitely! I live this!
ReplyDeleteThis has been coming for me for a long time...I am ready to do this, and commit to only buying second-hand. I also want to support my local designers who ethically produce their goods - that's the only new I intend to buy (fortunately, Fluevogs are both locally designed and ethically made!).
ReplyDeleteBrava!
ReplyDeleteBut of course!!!!! You know I'm there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started building a wardrobe again in 2012, I bought about 95% used. Now I try to buy used, then I will buy made in USA. That one is tough because so many designers manufacture in China. I need to search local too. Awesome Bella Q!!
ReplyDeleteThis came at just the right time. My closet is packed, and I really don't need anything new. The things I buy second hand are often more interesting than those I buy retail. They're cheaper too! And I need to start saving money.
ReplyDeleteI am taking the pledge!!! I love thrift.
ReplyDeleteYes. But can I still buy crappy new shoes sometimes and then feel really bad about it?
ReplyDeleteSecondhand shopping is a lovely idea and I'm slowly becoming more intrigued by it - I always find more unique finds than what are typically displayed in stores like Forever 21 etc.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what truly enraptures me about secondhand shopping is how cheap it is! It's an amazing way to snag new wardrobe pieces for low prices, being able to purchase 3-4 vintage dresses in the price of one Topshop one! Of course, it's sustainable and ethical as well but I was initially attracted by the price!
Lovely post, dear!
Love, Fatima (fashionpilgrim
Twitter: @fashpilgrim
Instagram: @fashionpilgrim
Rosebud-Bella, I want to be you when I grow up. You are, of course, ethically spot-on by this effort. The ability to repurpose and renew is something I miss about Seattle. Here in rural areas, we need to work harder on this. I'ts not impossible, but much more challenging when the resale shops are filled with little but worn out WalMart items, and thick pastel polyester from "estate sales". Almost all of the resale shops here focus (necessarily and sustainably) on kids clothing, and are a boon for local moms. I may not be able to honestly adopt this practice, but I can do more than I do. There are a couple of new consignment shops about 40 miles away that do a better job than many, and I can do more there. Thanks for the poke and the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! I already had a post lined up for today on non-mall-shopping and I had to link back to the pledge. (It's here: http://www.closet-coach.com/2012/11/08/skip-the-mall-the-next-time-you-shop/)
ReplyDeleteI'm in. I do tend to get most of my clothes from thrift stores, but would like to get better at getting those hard-to-find items (long enough pants and giant shoes) second-hand as well. Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGracey
I take the pledge!
ReplyDeleteBeen thrifting all my life and don't plan on changing that!
Wise and smart pledge! Bravo! I say "I pledge..."
ReplyDeleteAnne (Playing with Scarves)
Yes! I'm in!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Bella, and have been for years. Good for the planet and more fun too!
ReplyDeleteI would love to shop only second hand, used and pre-loved! Before I buy anything new I always check the few second hand shops here. But only on very rarely have I had any luck in finding clothes in my size. Can I still take the pledge when I mostly buy new, out of necessity?
ReplyDeleteNot only do we reduce our carbon footprint when we buy second hand. We also avoid exploiting workers in the fashion industry, so all the more reason to shop second hand first!
I have taken the pledge---and have been doing this since the 70s, when my mom would take me along second-hand shopping. My favorite thrift stores are the ones that benefit various animal shelters---we have several in my area and they see me frequently :)
ReplyDeleteI really admire everyone for doing this and I really need to do more of it myself. Very good post.
ReplyDeleteBella! Blogging has opened my eyes to how much "stuff" we own and how that "stuff" is quickly owning us! Thanks so much for this and the upside is that shopping second hand fuels creativity! What started as a financial decision quickly became a creative decision. Hugs to you my good sweet friend!!! Serene
ReplyDeleteYES! Everyone Should take this pledge.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with ya!
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Lynn
This is and always was my shopping strategy from when I discovered the thrill of thrifting two years ago. (-:
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