Generation Z’ers are pushing for a cleaner environment and world to live in. One way they are pursuing change is through thrifting and up-cycling clothing. The trend is being pushed by social media influencers like, Emma Chamberlain, and by even some Millennials. To these people, thrifting is not just a way to shop, but it is a lifestyle.

For IU’s campus, Trey Humphrey and his Hoosier A1 Vintage showroom is making the biggest mark on this new lifestyle.

Humphrey finds himself searching all realms for vintage clothing, specifically IU or Indiana related clothing, to then sell in what he calls his, “showroom” in the basement of his home. The influx of interest in his thrift shop have led him to be able to do pop-up shops at local restaurants and businesses across town. Some people will head over to Urban Outfitters spending nearly 80 dollars on a vintage styled sweatshirt, versus buying something truly vintage from Hoosier A1 Vintage that costs an average of 25 dollars, instead.

Thrifting and up-cycling are making environmental changes by keeping textiles out of landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 11.3 millions of tons of textiles ended up in landfills in 2018. Unfortunately, that means that 85% of the world’s clothing that gets thrown away ends up in landfills.

Another Bloomington company working to make a difference is, My Sister’s Closet, located on College Avenue. They are a non for profit organization that provides free work force attire and success courses for women of low-income or at-risk employment. The charitable thrift shop is open to the public and 80% of the income goes to funding for their success programs.