Tag: boston

Community · Thrifting

The Effects of Clothing Waste on the Economy

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At Diversity Consignment, we recognize that the fashion industry is one of the largest industries in the world, generating trillions of dollars in revenue each year. However, with the rise of fast fashion and the throwaway culture that comes with it, the amount of clothing waste being produced is reaching alarming levels. This waste has a significant impact on the economy, affecting everything from the environment to job creation. Within this article, we hope to shed some light on the subject of waste and offer some new insights to the potential harmful effects waste poses in a broader sense, the economy.

The first major impact of clothing waste on the economy is the cost of disposal. Clothing that is no longer wearable ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. In the meantime, it takes up valuable space that could be used for other purposes. The cost of managing and maintaining landfills is significant, and the more clothing waste that is produced, the higher these costs become.

Another economic impact of clothing waste is the lost revenue that comes from discarded clothing. When clothing is thrown away, it is no longer available to be sold, which means that potential revenue is lost. This can be particularly problematic for small businesses, which may not have the financial resources to withstand the loss of revenue.

Additionally, the production of clothing waste has a negative impact on the environment, which can have ripple effects on the economy. The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, with the production of cotton, for example, requiring significant amounts of water and pesticides. When clothing is thrown away, it contributes to this pollution and can lead to further environmental degradation.

The environmental impact of clothing waste can also have indirect economic costs. For example, air and water pollution can lead to increased healthcare costs as people become sick from exposure to toxins. It can also lead to the loss of jobs in industries that rely on clean water and air, such as fishing or tourism.

In addition to these economic impacts, clothing waste can also have social costs. For example, in many developing countries, discarded clothing from developed countries is sold or donated. While this can provide access to clothing for those who may not be able to afford it otherwise, it can also have negative impacts on local textile industries, which are unable to compete with the low prices of imported clothing. This can lead to job losses and decreased economic activity in these industries.

There are also economic opportunities that are lost when clothing is thrown away. For example, there is a growing market for recycled textiles, with companies looking to create new clothing and other products from discarded materials. When clothing is thrown away, these opportunities for recycling and upcycling are lost.

Overall, the impact of clothing waste on the economy is significant and far-reaching. From the direct costs of disposal to the indirect costs of environmental and social degradation, the negative impacts of clothing waste are felt across a wide range of industries and sectors. However, there are also opportunities for innovation and growth in the emerging market for recycled textiles and sustainable fashion. By taking steps to reduce clothing waste and promote more sustainable practices in the fashion industry, we can create a more resilient and sustainable economy for the future.

Thank you so much for reading!

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment

Community · Thrifting

Top 5 Best (Charity) Thrift Stores in Boston

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I know what you’re thinking. What is a consignment shop doing writing a list of the best thrift stores in Boston? Well I wish I had a solid answer for that question other than this; I felt like doing it.

Now, within this list, I’m going to highlight a few of my favorite thrift stores in the Boston area with one caveat. I’m going to start the list by shamelessly plugging Diversity Consignment. That’s it! The rest of the list will be full blown charity shops, that, in my opinion are the best places to go thrifting. I will be ranking them in terms of price, selection, and cleanliness.

When you’re done reading the list feel free to give some shout-outs of places that are your favorites in the comment sections below. (This is a list of Charity Thrift Stores and does not include specialty second-hand stores such as vintage or consignment)

Diversity Consignment

Of course I have to put Diversity Consignment at the top! After all, we did create it!

Aside from that, it’s a fun and eclectic experience just walking in! Vintage TV in the window, crazy awesome window splash outside, N64, air hockey, records and clothing! I mean…come on…. Not to mention, we also host our seasonal Fashion Show (next one in October 😉 ) and showcase local artist work on the walls!

Enough about that, let’s move on to the real list. The best (charity) Thrift Stores in Boston.

Goodwill Hyde Park: 892 River St, Hyde Park, MA 02136

Ahh yes, Goodwill. To start the list off on the right foot I’m going to introduce you to the newest Goodwill to open in Boston; Goodwill Hyde Park. I must say, not all Goodwill’s are treated equally. This one in particular ranks highest on the list in all 3 categories.

Goodwill Hyde Park is well run. You can find a lot of treasure here! Now, it may be speculation, but I have heard that whenever a new Goodwill comes to town, they tend to fill it with gems right off the bat. I know that sounds like hear-say and it probably is, but what would 2022 be without a little conspiracy?

Either way, this Goodwill, in particular isn’t overcrowded with people. In fact, I’m not too sure that many people really know about it! (Cat’s out of the bag now). The prices are excellent! The way they should be. I have yet to see a coat or jacket being priced over $20. For those of you who thrift around a lot; you know coats and jackets can get a bit pricey depending on where you are. Good for you Goodwill Hyde Park; good for you.

5/5 cleanliness, 5/5 selection, and 5/5 price.

Boomerangs Cambridge: 563 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Boomerangs Cambridge is a frequent winner on any top-tier list of best thrift stores, and for good reason! The place is electric! They have an excellent staff of cool cats, a funky atmosphere, and support an excellent cause. Taken from the Boomerangs website:

“Boomerangs is an award-winning family of thrift stores owned and operated by AIDS Action, New England’s leading provider of HIV prevention and wellness services. Serving the Greater Boston area. Boomerangs features a variety of high-quality new, vintage, and gently-loved merchandise to provide critical funding to AIDS Action in partnership with Fenway Health. Together, this partnership serves to enhance the well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community through health care, education, research, and advocacy. All proceeds from Boomerangs directly helps fund work to prevent new HIV infections and improve the lives of thousands of people already living with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts.”

They also have a super-fun TikTok account. How could you not love them!?

Cleanliness: 5/5, Prices: 4/5, Selection: 4.5/5.

Global Thrift: 322 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453

I know what you’re thinking, Waltham isn’t Boston! You know what? You’re right, it’s not. But it’s close by and this place is worth a visit!

According to their website: “Global Thrift is a volunteer driven thrift store where all profit goes into the international work of The Good Foundation. Currently all funding goes into creating businesses, providing jobs and rehabilitating medical clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

That’s a good cause! Aside from the cause, it’s a pretty good thrift store too! They have everything from a vast selection of clothing, shoes, household items, and electronics. The household items and electronics section is small, but it’s there at least.

They do host in-store pop-ups for local artists and creators which I am a big supporter of. I have been there on several occasions and was able to come away with quite a bit of really good finds at really good (Goodwill esq.) prices! The downside, according to a few reviews, is that they frequently switch the layout around in a somewhat confusing manner, and they seem to be a little hit or miss in terms of pricing.

Cleanliness 3.5/5, selection 4/5, price 4/5.

Boomerangs JP: 716 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

You better know I wasn’t going to make a Best (Charity) Thrift stores in Boston without tossing out a couple Boomerangs locations!

A local fan favorite, Boomerangs JP just has it all. Incredible staff, an ever-changing selection, and best of all, the top media selection of all thrift stores! By media I mean CDs, books, and other various media types. They also have the best window display in the neighborhood and always keep it fresh! You can even bid on the items in the window!

I would also like to say that the selection of furniture within this particular location also has the other thrift stores beat. They don’t seem to have the largest space in terms of sq. ft. but they seem to organize it really well in terms of furniture display. If you’re looking for that statement piece, look no further than Boomerangs JP!

The staff is super friendly and the overall atmosphere is eccentric (which I love). It really is like a museum to see the unique treasures they get in so frequently!

cleanliness 4.5/5, selection 5/5, price 4/5

Urban Renewals Boston: 630 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131

This place has to be the most hit or miss of all thrift stores on the list.

First of all, the store is 100% cash only. A major drawback if you ask me! They do have an ATM on site, but what a pain to get charged an extra fee to withdraw money!

The big draw to this store is definitely the price points. I mean in 2022 to only pay .99c for anything is insane! Not to mention, they frequently have 50% off sales so you may even get lucky and score something for only .50c!

Another big draw to this store is the size of it. It is literally massive. That being said, I do have a difficult time with thrifting burnout; sifting through a mile long T-Shirt rack. On top of that, I rarely find anything I want to take home with me. I get that the price points are insane, but it always seems like all the good stuff gets taken before I get there.

I think there’s a lot of “thrifting” buzz around this place so it’s never empty. There are hordes of people, pretty much at all times, ruffling through the never-ending racks.

cleanliness 3.5/5, selection 3/5, price 5/5

Conclusion

There you have it! My opinion on the best (charity) places to go thrifting in Boston! Have any thoughts or want to shout out your favorite charity thrift spot? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below and don’t forget to subscribe to our email list to get updates when we post new articles! Remember, keep buying used stuff!

-Much love, Ian Drake – Diversity Consignment