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The fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global carbon emissions. By choosing secondhand, you're part of the solution. Every item bought on Thrifts avoids the environmental cost of new production.
We calculate the carbon emissions that would have been produced to manufacture a new item, based on the clothing category.
Example: Buying a secondhand pair of jeans
~2.2 kg CO₂e avoided (estimate)
≈ 10 km of driving avoided
Textile production is extremely water-intensive. Cotton farming, dyeing, and finishing all require massive amounts of water.
Example: Buying a secondhand pair of jeans
~1,485 L water saved
≈ 23 showers worth
When you buy secondhand, you're extending the life of clothing that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
Example: Buying a secondhand pair of jeans
~0.94 kg waste diverted
≈ 4 t-shirts worth of textile waste
We use a consequential LCA approach, inspired by industry leaders like Vinted and Depop. This measures the environmental impact that is avoided when someone buys secondhand instead of new.
Avoided Impact = Production Emission × Displacement Rate × Condition Factor
Different clothing categories have different environmental footprints. Here are some examples:
Our methodology is based on peer-reviewed research and industry standards:
Every secondhand purchase counts. Browse thousands of preloved items and join the circular fashion movement in South Africa.