My Nothing New November Challenge is supporting the secondhand fashion industry and a circular economy in partnership with GOODWILL AZ.
November may be ending, but my Nothing New Challenge continues with Goodwill AZ
Nothing New November with Laura Madden originally posted on the Goodwill AZ Blog.
Hi, I’m Laura Madden! You might remember me from my Shopping with Laura Madden video feature last month. I’m a fashion advocate, model and creator of Laura Madden Lifestyle, a lifestyle brand and blog that supports sustainable fashion brands and reports on the intersection of style, sustainability and self esteem.
Did you know this November was ‘Nothing New November!?’ Well, it is now! I made it up. Even though I shop at least 90% secondhand clothing all the time anyways, I thought, ‘I can do even better with this.’ And most importantly, I want to make a statement. For the month of November I decided to put myself up to the challenge of only buying secondhand clothing. I’ve been sharing my daily looks on my Instagram, and some of my shopping trips in my Stories. {Check it out: @iamlauramadden}
Why would I challenge myself to buying nothing brand new for an entire month?
Sadly, the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, only after oil. That is just not okay! And it is completely avoidable. I believe we can do better than that as a society and as stewards of this Earth. If we are living on this planet, we have a responsibility to do our part and take care of it the best we can.
For me, shopping secondhand is an environmental stance. At least it started that way. Just over three years ago I watched the True Cost documentary (please watch if you haven’t!) and started working as a personal shopper & stylist at a thrift store in Minneapolis. Both experiences changed me forever.
Once I realized I could find even better, more unique, more exclusive styles than I was finding at my local boutiques, malls, and especially those fast fashion stores, I could not shop anywhere else. There was no reason to! I was finding the best stuff at thrift, consignment and vintage boutiques. Not to mention I was saving a ton of money compared to shopping brand new!
What does my ‘Nothing New November Challenge’ entail?
This only includes clothing/ attire
This does not include gifts (so if you want to send me a gift, I’m game!)
I may shop brand new if I’m buying gifts, but I’ll try to find a secondhand option if possible
You decide your comfort level, ie. socks, undergarments, hats may be best sourced brand new- up to you
Even if you can follow this challenge 50%, you are still making a difference, having a positive impact on the environment, reducing the demand on the fashion industry to produce faster, cheaper clothing, reducing waste and conserving resources that would otherwise be used up on the production & shipping of brand new items.
You in!?
Yes, I believe secondhand shopping is the best thing you can do for the planet clothing-wise, but also budget-wise and let’s face it- it is the most fun shopping you will ever have! Most importantly, you are making a statement. You are taking a stance to support a more just and responsible fashion industry.
My intention of publicizing my Nothing New November Challenge is to spread the message that shopping secondhand is the most sustainable shopping you can do. I also want you to know that shopping secondhand does not mean second-best.
You do not have to sacrifice style to live a sustainable lifestyle. One of my greatest passions is getting dressed! Getting dressed in a way that demonstrates having great style and doing good for the planet are not mutually exclusive. You can have both at the same time!
Again, there are many reasons why shopping secondhand is a good idea- financial, environmental, to support a good cause, to make a style statement, etc. For me, shopping secondhand is purely an environmental stance. I encourage you to find that connection for you, whatever that may be, and start spreading the word!
Make sure you follow my Instagram {HERE} and get signed up for email updates {HERE} for tips on how you can wear your values, use fashion for good + shop to create a better world. Happy shopping!
Get involved. Become part of the movement for a healthier, more sustainable fashion world. I believe that together we can change the face of fashion.
Wear what you love and wear what empowers you. Also consider where your clothes were made and who made them. Your purchase may empower the person who made them (or not).
Shop wisely. Every purchase is a vote. Make yours count.
*The items featured on this blog are what I consider sustainable fashion and/or are items I have owned for a very long time- which I would then consider sustainable fashion simply for the longevity of it.
Thank you to Goodwill AZ for collaborating with me on this project. All opinions and styling are my own.