Santa Barbara residents are embracing second-hand shops during spring cleaning, promoting environmental benefits and community involvement through local organizations.
In Santa Barbara, California, the practice of spring cleaning has taken on a new dimension as residents increasingly turn to second-hand shops to donate or purchase items, a trend that offers several social, environmental, and economic benefits. Local organizations like the Alpha Resource Center and The Closet Trading Company are at the forefront of this movement, emphasizing the importance of intentional shopping.
Joshua Weitzman, the executive director of Alpha Resource Center, notes that their donation center receives countless bags of clothes daily, underscoring the vital role of second-hand shopping in reducing waste. “We stop so many items from getting just discarded when they have life left in them,” Weitzman said. The organization’s mission extends beyond mere recycling; it aims to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Weitzman emphasized a personal connection to the cause, stating, “My daughter who’s 17 and son who’s 13 going to be 14, they both have Down Syndrome… what the future is going to look like for people with developmental disabilities. More inclusion, more opportunities, more ability to be in community contributing.”
Alpha Resource Center collaborates with local schools and pediatricians, providing essential programs that lay the groundwork for participants’ adult lives. Weitzman added that the organization has begun employing individuals enrolled in their programs, making a tangible difference in the community. Notably, donations play a crucial role, with 50% of Alpha’s profits derived from clothing sales. The non-profit’s efforts not only help keep used clothing out of landfills but also offer financial savings for consumers.
Similarly, The Closet Trading Company on State Street is tackling the issues of over-consumption and over-production in the fashion industry. Their Chief Operations Officer and Co-owner, Taylor Lamber Cavalli, pointed to alarming statistics, including the fact that about 50% of items produced never sell, and of that, only 1% gets recycled. “If we’re able to shift our spending habits and de-incentivize these companies to produce in mass than the amount we would be able to reduce our carbon footprint by is pretty significant,” Lamber Cavalli asserted.
The Closet Trading Company aims to educate consumers about the detrimental impacts of fast fashion, spotlighting brands like Shein, Temu, and Amazon as key players in the mass production of clothing that often ends up discarded. With flagship and additional locations in both Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, the company strives to appeal to a growing demographic interested in second-hand clothing.
The Alpha Resource Center’s donation center is located in La Cumbre Plaza, while their retail operations are based in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Through their collaborative efforts, these organizations are facilitating not only sustainable shopping practices but also fostering community involvement and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
