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Multimedia Reporting – JMC 419 Enterprise Article
This enterprise article project challenged me to identify, research, and report on a local issue with broader social significance. I chose to investigate how Lawrence stores promote sustainability through secondhand shopping, contrasting this with the environmental impact of fast fashion. The assignment required in-depth research, source interviews, and clear storytelling, demonstrating my skills in investigative journalism and feature writing.
A new type of shopping experience is becoming more and more popular throughout Lawrence, where customers can exchange their clothing for cash or store credit and racks of gently used goods take the place of mass-produced fast fashion items. These secondhand shops are providing a sustainable alternative in a time when fast fashion rules the global market.
Both residents and students now frequent local stores like Plato’s Closet and Arizona Trading Company (ATC). Customers who bring in gently used clothing are offered 50% of the item’s value in store credit or 30% in cash at ATC. This buy-sell-trade model not only lowers the cost of fashion for shoppers but also prevents perfectly good clothing from ending up in landfills.
Lindsay McCarthy, a worker at ATC, has noticed a growing interest among students.
“I do feel like students are getting more into secondhand fashion based on, just like, the accessibility to it and affordability. Things being able to have a second life in the store is a big part of that,” McCarthy said.
Fast fashion continues to have a strong hold on students’ purchasing habits even as they experiment with secondhand clothing. According to a study by ThredUp, 72% of college students said they had shopped fast fashion in the past year. For some, the appeal of trendy, inexpensive clothing is hard to resist, even when they are aware of its environmental impact.
But for others, secondhand shopping is more than just a choice that is environmentally conscious; it is also an opportunity to make additional money. Annie Goldman, a student at the University of Kansas and frequent customer at thrift stores, discussed her experience trading clothes at ATC.
“I’ve made over 80 bucks giving away a few items from there. It’s a great way to recycle and make pocket cash as a college student,” Goldman said.
Beyond individual savings, the environmental impact of secondhand shopping is clear. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that in 2018, the United States generated 17 million tons of textile waste, accounting for 5.8% of the nation’s total municipal solid waste. By prolonging the life of clothing that might otherwise wind up in landfills, secondhand shops like ATC and Plato’s Closet provide a solution.
For some companies, such as Arizona Trading Company (ATC), reusing clothing is a long-standing custom rather than merely an occasional trend. For many years, the store has operated on a trade-in system.
“It started in 1991, so for the past like 30-40 years, it’s always been like a buy-sell-trade model,” she said.
In addition to cutting down on waste, this model enables students who might not otherwise be able to afford new clothes to access sustainable fashion. From premium denim to vintage graphic tees, customers can find everything they need to express their individuality without going over budget.
The rising popularity of secondhand shopping signifies a change in consumer behavior. Young people are increasingly choosing sustainability over the quick production cycles of fast fashion, especially those in Generation Z. This change is still happening, though, as many students continue to be drawn to stylish yet affordable apparel.
Fast fashion remains a booming industry, currently valued at $150.82 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $291.1 billion by 2032, according to Uniform Market. Due to the ease of online shopping and the ongoing influence of social media trends, some students find it challenging to make sustainable decisions.
ATC and Plato’s Closet may be the solution to this, as they are providing local alternatives that not only offer financial incentives but also offer benefits to the environment. McCarthy believes that this is a step in the right direction.
“It’s not just about the money,” McCarthy said. “It’s about giving clothes a second life and making sure they don’t end up in the trash.”
The practice of shopping for secondhand items is becoming more than a passing trend for students at Lawrence; it is a way to strike a balance between affordability, sustainability, and individual style. As people become more aware of the impact that fashion has on the environment, the racks of pre-loved clothing that are available at local shops may become an even more popular option.
Elizabeth Soltis 