The holiday season is one for gift giving. Americans, whether online or in person, spend so much money on brand new products that end up to waste eventually. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, household waste usually increases by about 25% and equates to about 1,000 extra pounds of trash, from 4 million to 5 million tons.” While something you know to be brand new is very nice, buying second hand may be more beneficial to you. 

Many thrift stores, like Goodwill, fundraise for charities.  Goodwill’s mission states,” Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.”

Another example, Thrift Haven, which is in Springfield, helps “provide for the needs of children residing at Fair Haven,” which is children’s home in Strafford, Mo. When buying, you’ll be buying to support a good cause.

Thrifting also helps the environment. According to a 2024 article “Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact,” popular clothes brands like Forever21 and Walmart are fast fashion. As well, Business Analysis states that fast fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. 85% of their clothes are thrown out, which is the equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles. 

There’s many nearby thrift shops, and they have more than just clothes for gifting. Many have toys for children or even pottery and board games. Some local places shop from include Marshfield Area Thirft Barn, Community Thrift Store, and the Treasure Barn. In Springfield a few options include Red Racks, Goodwill, and Upstake Cheapstake.