Thrift stores—better known as ukay-ukay in the Philippines—have been booming ever since they started in the 1980s. They started from a practice in response to natural calamities, where second-hand items were given to victims as a form of service. Today, ukay-ukay can be seen almost anywhere in the country as an everyday shopping option.

There are many benefits to buying second-hand clothes from ukay-ukay shops. Inexpensive prices, more style choices, all while supporting local businesses. But equally as important, if not more, shopping through ukay-ukay stores helps fight global warming, and keeps our oceans clean. This practice reduces the amount of clothes in the Philippines that end up in dumpsters, which then find their way into the ocean. 

Textile and fabric waste is responsible for much of the world’s pollution. In a 2017 survey, 29% of Filipinos say that they have disposed of clothing after only one wear. On top of that, an obscene amount of resources goes into making just one article of clothing, only for it to not get much use. With the massive popularity of fast-fashion, which is notorious for their quick production chain to keep up with trends, mitigating textile waste seems like a far-off dream.

Fortunately, buying second-hand clothes has become very popular over the last few years, despite the practice being around for a long while. Communities form around the buying and selling of clothes, showcasing what they bought either online or in physical shops.

Community participation doesn’t end at buying. Many people, from individuals on Instagram to local celebrities, sell their unused clothes through events and pages so they can be used and loved by other people. Now that self-expression through clothing is on the rise, clothes are now being perceived as wearable art, giving respect to the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into every piece. This shift in how we view clothes, from a trendy consumable to a valuable, long-lasting item, is key in battling unnecessary waste and resource usage. 

Added on to that package of self-expression, ukay-ukay is also very budget-friendly. Buying good quality clothes second-hand is less likely to put a dent in your wallet, unlike some brands that sell clothes brand-new at a higher price to recoup the costs of production, marketing, and other processes. 

With all that said, the practice of buying second-hand is only a tool, and it is up to the people to make use of it for the greater good. Sustainable shopping has never been easier, and with the benefit of lower prices and self-expression, ukay-ukay shopping is a definite steal.