Though it’s hard to believe, 2023 is well and truly here. For many of us, the start of a new year is a time to reflect, think about what’s important and make plans for the year ahead that will help us live better lives.
According to a Finder survey carried out last year, 72% of Australians set at least one New Year’s resolution for 2022, with the most common being to improve fitness, eat healthier, lose weight and sleep more. Interestingly, the fifth most common resolution of the people surveyed was to be more sustainable.
There are many ways you can be more sustainable in 2023. You can start with the no-brainers, like get yourself a reusable coffee cup and water bottle, or start recycling your empty containers to an Authorised Refund Point. But one major way to create sustainable change is by supporting the slow fashion movement.
By choosing to buy second hand at an op shop over fast-fashion retail stores, and by donating quality goods, you contribute to a circular economy – Saving the planet and some money while you’re at it!
So, if you’re seeking a little inspiration while setting your own sustainable goals for 2023, here are some New Year’s resolutions from a handful of experts in the local op shopping community.
1. Rosie Kriskans, stylist and image consultant for The Stylish Agency
When it comes to fashion and styling, I want to continue to use recycled, thrifted and gifted clothing and accessories on myself and my clients. I love advocating thrifting because it creates great conversation. People always want to know where I get my pieces from and they’re always pleasantly surprised to hear that they actually come from op shops and cost very little.
2. Tez A Lee, manager of the Perth’s Best Op Shops Facebook Page which has over 35,000 members
My resolution is the same as always: to spread the message about Perth’s awesome op shops and show how fabulous you can look while keeping textile waste out of landfill.
3. Bec Dowling, Store Manager of Good Sammy Ellenbrook
This year, I wish to spread my knowledge and educate others on what can and can’t be donated. We are so thankful for the generosity of anyone who donates to op shops, but donations that are unsellable, broken, ripped or stained must go to landfill.
4. Stella De Rozario, upcycler and owner of Wish Upon A Party and Wishtopia
I’ve bought a lot of things from op shops with the intention of upcycling that I really need to finish. This year, I’d like to get at least one thing completed or made every month before I move on to the next project. My first project is to make the shade for a pretty lamp base I bought a while back.
5. Angie Lee, Ecommerce Coordinator of the Good Sammy Online Store
My sustainable resolution is to maximise our usage of recycled materials in our e-commerce business. Most people don’t know that we try to reuse everything, including cardboard boxes, packing paper, even towels for glassware. As the online business evolves, it is so important to keep in mind the environmental impact of online shopping. Although it’s very convenient for larger retailers to send out orders in multiple parcels, we hope to continue our slow fashion effort to support sustainable fashion and our work in disability employment.
6. Kane Blackman, CEO of Good Sammy Enterprises
My New Year’s Resolution is to ensure that more people understand the value and contribution that people with a disability bring to the workforce, especially through our network of op shops that employ and help train Western Australians with disability.
7. Loraine Martin aka @thefeelgoodfashionista, eco-stylist and operator of the Preloved Pro workshops
My New Year’s resolution last year was to not buy any more clothes. I didn’t stick to that, but I did buy a whole lot less than I have previously because I took longer to thinking my purchases through. This year’s sustainable resolution is to work on my circle of influence and get more of my retail-loving friends to understand the not-so-fun side of fashion, like the working conditions of garment workers and the effects of fast fashion waste, and get them on the preloved wagon!
8. Krysta Terry, op shopper and reseller for @newandusedthreads
Mine isn’t really a resolution, but an everyday goal to get people excited about second hand purchases, whether it’s clothing or household goods. Supporting great causes and reducing your carbon footprint while getting yourself a bargain is a feeling like nothing else. That satisfaction that comes with a great second hand purchase is addictive. I want more people to feel that!
9. Jessica Hoole aka @my.second.hand.life, Instagram thrift-fluencer
I’m going to ensure that beautiful, but unworn pieces in my wardrobe are donated back to op shops or passed on to friends. When there’s too much in my wardrobe, it can be distracting and affect my outfit creativity. Also, I’m going to try and not buy multiples of the same item of clothing. I love blazers, but do I really need 25 of them? But fundamentally, I resolve to wear what makes me happy and not be swayed by fashion trends or the opinions of others. I recognise my body, my style and what works for me and I’m going to stick with that.
10. Suzanne, Good Sammy volunteer
I’d like to do my bit for the environment and help start up some sort of program to reduce the amount of plastic waste that comes into the store in the form of donation packaging. I feel very passionate about it!
11. Kayla Barker, 2022 Good Sammy Employee of the Year
I would like to shop second hand more instead of buying new fashion. At work, I get to see how many high-quality second hand items there are – especially in the Gold Seal section. I’m learning more about identifying and pricing these items so that customers can find quality treasure easily. If it’s easy for customers to find quality items, they will be encouraged to shop second hand more.
The thrifting community has spoken! Are you feeling inspired to be more sustainable in 2023? I certainly am after putting this article together. This year, I’m going to donate an item of clothing for every “new” piece I buy from Good Sammy and use the cash I get from donating my containers as my kids’ pocket money. I will also, of course, keep writing about the benefits of op shopping because there are really so many.
Happy New Year!
