Thrift stores drive Newbury Park community away from fast fashion
Newbury Park High School students work to reduce waste and resist splurging through shopping at local thrift stores. Thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and Queen’s Consignment hope to support the community by providing low-priced items and employment for people in need.
Once or twice a month, Josephine Falt, freshman, enjoys spending time thrifting and combing through all the donated goods. Falt’s love for thrifting was inspired by her mom who also enjoyed the pastime and its many benefits. “I feel like thrifting is good because it supports the community,” Falt said. Since most thrift stores are non-profit, they can be a lot more than a place to find vintage clothes and unique items. “They give all their money to other places, and it also helps people find jobs, and good clothes there,” Falt said.
Stephanie Berry, a junior at NPHS, shops at thrift stores and often encourages others to do the same. “[Fast fashion is] not at all great for the environment and the people who are making these clothes are not being treated or paid well at all whatsoever,” Berry said. For Berry, by thrifting, the feeling of guilt after spending heaps of money on fast fashion is diminished. “Thrifting has impacted me by making up about 75 percent of my wardrobe and I don’t feel as guilty buying more clothes knowing they’re secondhand,” Berry said. As well as finding everyday clothes for her wardrobe, Berry even thrifted a vintage grunge 90s prom dress that she will be wearing to prom this year.
An administrative assistant who has worked at Goodwill for 10 years, Linda Hernandez, shares why she supports thrifting and the importance of it. Hernandez works in customer service alongside other Goodwill employees. “[I hope to help] people get back on their feet for whatever reason they’re going through or issues that they’re having and get them back on their feet working and living in this world,” Hernandez said. Thrifting is key because it provides an opportunity for people to find goods at reduced prices. “One person’s trash or junk can be somebody else’s treasure.”
Thrifting has made a lasting impact on many people’s lives, specifically students, and others in the Newbury Park community. While prices continue to skyrocket, thrifting may be a lasting solution. Thrift stores have given back to the community in numerous ways, guiding people away from fast fashion while still providing an enjoyable shopping experience with affordable prices. “[It allows] good employment for teens, and they also help other people find jobs. They are just there to support the community,” Falt said.
