In Portland, Maine, community members are adopting sustainable practices through second-hand shopping, repair fairs, and innovative initiatives aimed at minimizing waste.
Residents of Portland, Maine, are actively engaging in various sustainable practices designed to extend the lifespan of their belongings while also saving money. These efforts, which range from buying second-hand items to participating in local repair fairs, reflect a growing trend towards sustainable consumption in the community.
A recent report from ThredUp, an online consignment and thrift store, projects that the U.S. second-hand apparel market will reach $73 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 11%. In 2023, more than half (52%) of U.S. residents participated in second-hand shopping, with significant involvement from Gen Z and millennial shoppers. Adele Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale Professionals, noted, “People are certainly aware of sustainability and trying to keep things out of landfills… but there’s also a large segment that wants to save money.”
In Portland, there is a vibrant scene of vintage markets, consignment shops, and thrift stores. Rachael Crawford, who owns the vintage clothing store Little Ghost, emphasized the unique shopping experience offered by second-hand items. “The amount of times we’ve cried over somebody’s 1950s prom dress that their grandmother wore … and then it’s nice seeing someone try that thing on and being like, ‘Oh my gosh, that was made for you,’” she shared.
On February 2, shoppers flocked to Thompson’s Point for the Lost and Found Market, where they browsed a variety of vintage clothing, jewelry, and homewares. Attendee Myra Moore from Rockland expressed her preference for thrifting, stating, “I don’t like to buy new, so I find ways to find the items that I want in my closet without buying those items that are just going to be thrown away.”
The top motivations for second-hand shopping, according to ThredUp, include securing better deals, finding unique items, affording high-end brands, and contributing to environmental health. The resale market not only enables consumers to benefit financially but also offers an avenue to declutter their homes. In 2023, roughly 25% of consumers engaged in reselling apparel, with 33% belonging to the Gen Z and millennial demographic.
Local business owners are also doing their part to mitigate textile waste. Larkin Conroy, owner of LarkinandLarkin, creates patches from recycled fabric, asserting a commitment to sustainability. “I’m always looking for someone’s sewing stash,” she remarked about her approach. Erin Arnold, who operates Minor Works, a vintage business in Bath, noted the durability of older fashion items as an essential factor in encouraging sustainable shopping habits.
The Buy Nothing Project, a global initiative with a robust local presence, facilitates the exchange of items among community members at no cost. Stanzi Lee, an organizer of the Portland Peninsula Buy Nothing Facebook group, explained how the platform fosters community connections. “People can either post in the group, ‘Hey, I just moved into a new apartment, I need help furnishing it,’” she said, detailing the diverse range of items exchanged, from furniture to everyday necessities.
In addition, Portland Hour Exchange offers an innovative barter system, allowing members to trade services instead of using currency. Participants can earn credits for their time spent providing various services, from sewing to dog walking. Complementing these efforts are repair fairs organized by groups like Ripe for Repair, where individuals can bring broken items for community-led repairs. On January 25, South Portland launched its first repair fair, aiding in the repair of various household items.
Susan Parmelee, South Portland’s sustainability program manager, highlighted the objective of these events, stating, “Part of preventing waste from going to landfills is fixing it so people hold on to it for longer and just expanding the lifespan.”
These community-driven initiatives represent a multifaceted approach to sustainability, where the emphasis lies on minimizing waste and fostering a culture of resourcefulness among Portland residents.
Source: Noah Wire Services
