Above the Sun Thrifted is making it easier for younger generations to embrace second-hand clothing, combating the waste of fast fashion.
Thrifting second-hand clothes has gained significant traction among younger generations seeking to mitigate the environmental consequences of fast fashion. In Santa Clarita, a local business named Above the Sun Thrifted is facilitating this movement by simplifying the thrifting process for its clientele.
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of low-quality clothing by mainstream retailers such as H&M, Forever 21, and Zara. These brands often create inexpensive garments that imitate high-end fashion trends. According to Angie Rummell, a Santa Clarita resident and owner of Above the Sun Thrifted, unsold items typically disappear from shelves within a 90-day period. If not sold, these items are either marked down for discount stores like TJ Maxx or ultimately discarded in landfills. Rummell shared this insight, highlighting that garments, along with carpets, furniture, and tires, contribute over 11.3 million tons of waste annually to U.S. landfills, a figure cited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Rummell elaborated on the overwhelming nature of the fast fashion landscape. “I think it can be overwhelming because trends are always changing,” she said. “These big franchise stores have to keep up with the trends and you go in and there’s always new items on the shelves.” This constant influx of new clothing has contributed to the popularity of thrifting, which aligns closely with the sustainable fashion movement. The movement aims to lessen fashion’s environmental footprint while providing consumers with high-value, second-hand items at a fraction of the cost of new retail.
Rummell, who describes thrifting as vital, remarked, “There are so many clothes, just an overwhelming amount of clothes, and every day there are new pieces being created. It’s important because it makes an impact financially; like if you can’t afford it, you can just go to a second-hand store and find the exact thing cheaper.” Her journey into thrifting began in her childhood, as her family donated gently used clothes after returning from Cameroon, where her parents had served as missionaries. Rummell fondly recalls weekends spent exploring the Providence Mission Home for hidden treasures among the donated items.
Above the Sun Thrifted began operations in January 2023, with Rummell scouting various second-hand shops throughout Santa Clarita Valley and Orange County to curate distinctive clothing pieces for resale. Recently, she organized a clothing swap at her parents’ home, attracting over 30 participants eager to exchange items. Any leftover garments from the event were donated to Full Circle Orange, a non-profit thrift store in Orange County.
In reflection of her dedication to sustainability, Rummell stated, “I think thrifting really does make a difference and it makes an impact on the earth by reducing the clothes that are gonna end up in the landfill.” Rummell is set to host another pop-up sale with Barn & Charm at their open market scheduled for Saturday, March 29, where she will feature her curated selection of thrifted clothing.
As interest in thrifting continues to grow, especially among younger consumers influenced by social media trends, businesses like Above the Sun Thrifted are playing a vital role in the burgeoning sustainable fashion landscape in Santa Clarita and beyond.
Source: Noah Wire Services
