Decision time: workers’ rights or discount T-shirts

Thrifting has been “in” for a while now, which is unfortunate for many reasons. Macklemore’s reference, “Pop some tags,” isn’t too far from reality. On some hunts, you can’t take your $20 very far at all. Brand-name shoes, even if they are three years used, can be priced at $25-plus. Though thrifting is seen as a combative to corporate injustice, “one man’s treasure” comes at a high price. The question is: Are you willing to trade worker’s rights for a faded Banana Republic shirt? Are you putting some thought into what you’re achieving behind the scenes when you stack your cart?

Figure this: Some workers such as at Goodwill with disabilities get paid less than $3 an hour – according to many sources such as Forbes and National Federation of the Blind. It is absolutely abhorrent for any laborer to make less than minimum wage; it stands in opposition of the very labor movement.  Change.org has a petition set up to fight this, at https://www.change.org/p/goodwill-industries-international-pay-disabled-workers-a-real-wage. It’s funny – in a sad kind of way – for the head of a “nonprofit” organization to be making a  six figures salary on granny’s old loafers.

The above is old news, although still very much of a Problem.

What’s currently making matters even worse is the fact that online thrift stores such as Lightinthebox and ThredUp are fast becoming mainstream.

This is potentially bad because where traditional thrift stores (at least) provided an avenue to employment opportunities for often-marginalized workers, these new thrift CEOs could make bank without a need to pay as many employees.

Clearly, even the socialized value of thrifting is being decimated by dog-eat-dog corporatism.

What’s the fix? I believe it could be the localization and privatization of thrifting. Bring it back to the good ol’ days of “tribal trade.” As if that doesn’t sound corny and hipster enough. This is where technology comes in handy, because we know we can’t simply blame technology for our problems – we can still use it to change and improve our tactics. I really like the community-based Facebook buy/sell groups. You can find them in Portland, Gresham and all the surrounding towns. You can join a group, and post what you’re selling/what you need. You can comment on the posts and private-message sellers. It’s like Craigslist, but less shady.

Where you choose to shop, whether it’s thrift stores or not, solely depends on your morals. For example, according to the Salvation Army, 82 cents of every dollar goes to charity. However, others do not support the Salvation Army due to its views on marriage – Salvation Army has been noted for discrimination against LGBTQ employees.

The primary goal of thrifting is to get things for cheap and to help out those less fortunate. In sum, I suggest buying from the seller as directly as possible. That eliminates the middleman from getting the majority of the cut. So many people are in need and they could probably use the cash to feed their kid, instead of shelving their old Blue-ray. The other method: keeping up on top of which businesses/nonprofits you can feel good about supporting.