The Hamilton Sustainability Club (HSC) turned Sadove Student Center into a thrift shop on Dec. 3, and its success proved thrifting is here to stay.
“Gen Z is very conscious of our individual footprints and passionate about thrifting, so I thought it was great that HSC brought this opportunity right to the Hill,” said Catherine McFarland ’22.
It’s great to have an event that combats the negative impacts of fast fashion, and hopefully moves us toward a more progressive consumption model.
Students and faculty donated more than 800 items of clothing, shoes, and accessories that were sprawled out on long tables. Items ranged from a silk red Japanese robe to a bright yellow fleece, so you never knew what lucky find you might discover.
HSC member Willa Karr ’25 described thrifting as “super fun — almost like a treasure hunt!” One customer was lucky enough to walk away with a pair of the popular Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. Even better, items were priced affordably, from $2 to $10.
In between the rush of people, HSC member Emmy Goodwin ’22 said, “It’s so important to shop sustainably and give clothes a new life. What better way to do so than on Hamilton’s campus? It’s great to have an event that combats the negative impacts of fast fashion, and hopefully moves us toward a more progressive consumption model.”
Another student described the fun in selling and buying clothes. “Students get excited because it’s fun to get a good deal on clothing, but it’s also nice how we get to give these clothes another life on campus,” said HSC member Avery Morgan ’22. “I donated about two bags of clothing from here and home that didn’t fit anymore, and it’s nice to see them passed on.”
All in all, the event was a success. It raised more than $1,200 for a local charity, the Rescue Mission. And not only were students happy with their purchases, they are looking forward to seeing everyone’s new “old” pieces around campus.
