SPOKANE, Wash. – The environmental impact of clothing production is significant, with the World Economic Forum stating that 2,000 gallons of water are needed to make just one pair of jeans. This highlights the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Chosen Vintage, the largest vintage store in Eastern Washington, has been committed to sustainability. Store Manager Andy Bechtold emphasized their approach, saying, “We have enough clothing on earth to clothe the next generations of people, so whatever we can do to kind of help it be more sustainable and better on the planet.”
For 17 years, Chosen Vintage has maintained a consistent return policy. Instead of traditional returns, the store offers gift cards or exchanges. Bechtold explained, “As much of that as we can reuse, the less of it ends up in landfills or oceans or burnt up into the ozone.”
Other local businesses like Boo Radley’s and Atticus Coffee and Gifts also prioritize sustainability by utilizing store credit and exchange transactions. Disney Petit, who partners with retailers to manage unwanted products, commented on the challenges retailers face, stating, “Retailers are stuck right now choosing between high cost or high waste and neither one is good for business or the planet.”
Over the past four years, Liquidonate, led by Petit, has donated more than 12 million items to nonprofits. “12 million items that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill already,” said Petit. The organization offers an innovative solution for returns. “The customer now just simply receives a shipping label for a nonprofit within about 30 miles of their home,” Petit said.
Bechtold highlighted the benefits of shopping at thrift or vintage stores, saying, “You would normally spend, you know, three or 4 or 5 times more on new clothing that you could find for a few dollars.”
These efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices in Spokane.
