Boo on Fast Fashion: A Case for Secondhand Shopping this Season

Sustainability Meets Spooky Season

There’s something super scary that goes unnoticed every spooky season…and no, it’s not the haunted house at the edge of town. It’s the horror of fast fashion.

Every October, millions of us rush to buy costumes, decorations, and party pieces that barely last the weekend. Glitter capes, plastic pumpkins, polyester wigs, and most of it gets tossed after a single use. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 85% of textiles end up in landfills every year.

Talk about frightening.

But here’s the good news: sustainability doesn’t have to suck the fun out of spooky season. It can be the fun. Because thrifting (and secondhand shopping in general) might just be the best way to haunt responsibly this Halloween.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

The Scary Stats: Fast Fashion’s Frightening Footprint

Before we get to the fun part, it’s important to take a look at why fast fashion deserves a good, unanimous boo.

The industry pumps out billions of garments a year, driving roughly 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. It also uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, and those pre-packaged costumes we all reach for in a pinch? They shed microplastics that end up in our oceans.

And the spooky part doesn’t end when you drop those clothes off at a donation bin. Many end up in massive textile dumps in countries like Ghana or Chile, where they smother ecosystems and contaminate water and soil.

So while your vampire costume might vanish by sunrise, its impact could stick around for hundreds of Halloweens to come.

We told you it was scary.
But don’t worry, this horror story has a happy ending.
Because the antidote to fast fashion’s fright is surprisingly fun (and way more creative). Shopping secondhand.

The Treasure Hunt

So, let’s rethink where and how we shop, shall we?
Thrift stores, vintage shops, consignment boutiques, clothing swaps, even resale apps like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp are all part of a growing movement toward circular fashion—giving clothes a second life instead of sending them to their grave.

Buying secondhand reduces carbon, waste, and water impact by 73% compared to buying new. Plus, you get the thrill of treasure hunting. No two racks are the same, and the joy of finding something one-of-a-kind? That’s a high no fast-fashion haul can match.

Walk in with a vague idea, maybe you’re hoping for a yellow plaid skirt for a Clueless look, a trench coat, a spooky sweater, or a chunky necklace…and walk out with something you didn’t even know you needed. So instead of adding another polyester cape to the landfill pile, try sourcing your costume (and maybe the rest of your fall wardrobe) the circular way.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Read More: What Is Circular Fashion?

Haunting the Racks: Tips for a Successful Thrift Trip
If you haven’t gone thrifting in a while (or ever), here’s your reminder that it’s more of an adventure than an errand.

👻 1. Go in with a theme, not a list.
Instead of hunting for one exact item (a red corset from Interview with the Vampire), think in vibes. Vintage vampire energy or 70s disco ghost will open up your options and make the hunt more fun.

🕸️ 2. Mix and match textures.
The best thrifted costumes come from layering: lace, denim, faux fur, silk scarves, whatever calls to you from the rack. The bonus? You’ll likely reuse these pieces long after October 31.

🎃 3. DIY your details.
You don’t need to sew a full costume to make something unique. Add a ribbon, brooch, or scarf. Paint an old blazer. Repurpose a pillowcase. You’ll feel like a creative genius and save another garment from the landfill.

💀 4. Think beyond costumes.
Thrift stores are treasure troves for everything: candleholders, vases, table runners, old books for spooky displays. Decorating sustainably often means giving existing objects a brand new life.

🕯️ 5. Donate or swap when you’re done.
Circular fashion works both ways. Before heading to the register, plan for what happens next. Will you reuse, donate, or repurpose these items after Halloween? Hosting a costume swap with friends is a low-effort, high-fun way to keep your finds in circulation.

Rethink, Rewear, Remix

Fast fashion thrives on sameness. Every rack, every influencer, every micro-trend looks eerily familiar. Thrifting isn’t just sustainable, it’s also where originality lives.

Shopping pre-loved is like remixing what already exists, taking old textures, shapes, and eras and making them yours. You’re not just buying; you’re curating. And unlike fast fashion, where everyone’s wearing the same pumpkin-print sweater from the same site, your thrifted look tells its own story.

It’s no coincidence that vintage and upcycled fashion are having such a major comeback. Designers and celebrities are raiding archives and thrift stores because individuality is the new luxury. Whether you’re channeling ‘90s grunge, ‘70s glam, or a little bit of both, secondhand shopping gives you the creative freedom to make something totally new—without producing anything new at all.

Read More: 5 Secondhand Sites to Shop Now (And Why You Should)

Scary Good Home Finds

The secondhand magic doesn’t stop at your closet; it’s a treasure trove of home goods, too.
Thrift stores, estate sales, and consignment shops are full of hidden gems that make decorating sustainably way more interesting (and affordable). Skip the mass-produced décor aisle and look for character instead: vintage candlesticks, mismatched teacups, old paintings, tarnished silver trays, or ornate picture frames that can easily be turned into spooky displays or even fun craft nights with friends.
Beyond Halloween, secondhand home goods have serious staying power. Linen napkins, handmade pottery, brass lamps—pieces with patina tend to tell a story. They make your space feel more personal and less Pinterest-perfect.

Small Switches, Big Impact

Once you get that first “found treasure” rush, it’s hard to go back. If the idea of transforming your entire shopping routine feels daunting, just start with one small switch this season.

Halloween Costumes: Make them yourself or find them at secondhand stores.
Fall Wardrobe: Add one or two secondhand staples while you’re hunting for your costume, or do a clothes swap with friends.
Home Décor: Whether it’s all-year decorating or spooky decorations, you can make your own or find low-cost options that were pre-loved.

The more you reimagine what’s already here, the less pressure you put on new production, and the more creative your world becomes.

That sparkly top from your witch costume? Perfect for New Year’s.
The candleholder you covered in cobwebs? Holiday centerpiece material.
The oversized cardigan from the men’s rack? Your new favorite everyday sweater.

Sustainability doesn’t always have to mean sacrifice; sometimes it means discovering joy in what already exists.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

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Kyle is a freelance writer based in Portland, OR. She loves writing about health and wellness, sparking creativity, travel, and the outdoors—especially when there's room to add a little humor or heart.