Dr. Aimee Patterson is a Christian ethics consultant at The Salvation Army Ethics Centre in Winnipeg, and Clara Pina is the communications manager for The Salvation Army Thrift Store National Recycling Operations (NRO). In this article, they dialogue about the role of thrift stores in protecting the environment and supporting local communities.

Dear Clara,

Thanks so much for agreeing to talk with me about The Salvation Army’s thrift stores. I expect a dialogue with an insider like you will help me understand the role thrift stores have in the lives of Canadians today.

Across the board, studies indicate high growth projections for second-hand shopping in North America. I’m also seeing this growth personally. The younger people in my family are really into thrifting clothes—much more so than my friends and I were when we were their age. Are you seeing this rise in thrifting in thrift store locations across Canada? And if so, why do you think that is? 

Aimee

Dear Aimee,

It’s always a pleasure to talk about the critical role of our thrift stores. Even before the pandemic, we noticed an increased interest in thrift shopping, not only among younger generations but with all Canadians. While saving money has always been a strong motivator— especially with inflation making an impact on budgets—thrift shopping offers much more than just affordability.

For younger generations, thrifting is often about finding unique, vintage items that help them express their individuality. But it’s also about sustainability, with many young shoppers choosing second-hand to reduce waste and contribute to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

We’re seeing this trend extend beyond just younger guests. Thrift shopping has become a goto solution for individuals of all ages looking for ways to make their budgets go further and find one-of-a-kind treasures. 

Clara 

Dear Clara,

I’m glad you’ve said NRO has a critical role in creating solutions. Because the “what,” “where” and “why” we buy is a topic I’m concerned about. I recently listened to a podcast raising the idea that fast fashion has an increasing presence in thrift stores. And as an ethicist, I’ve become aware of the moral problems attached to the rise of the fast-fashion industry.

For instance, fast fashion encourages consumerism. People are buying more clothing than they used to because trendy items are being sold at a much lower cost. Ads that tell consumers to “shop like a billionaire” persuade us to spend money with abandon. But as a Christian, I know this is wrong. Our territorial core value of stewardship calls us to use our resources in responsible ways, considering the needs of others. So, I wonder, how do our thrift stores help individuals practise responsible consumption and make a positive impact? 

Aimee

Dear Aimee,

While we recognize that fast fashion has significantly influenced consumer habits, shopping at and donating to Salvation Army thrift stores is a responsible and meaningful choice that everyone can make. When you shop second-hand, you’re not just finding a great deal—you’re extending the life cycle of items, giving them a second chance to bring joy to another person or family.

Donations are at the heart of our operations, and we continuously rely on the generosity of our local communities to donate what they no longer need or have in excess. What may no longer be useful to one person can be a valuable resource to someone else in need. 

Clara 

How do our thrift stores help individuals practise responsible consumption and make a positive impact?

Dear Clara,

That’s helpful to know. Earlier, you mentioned how thrifting promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle. That’s my second concern about fast fashion: its environmental impact.

Making clothing has always been an energy-intensive process. But because the fast-fashion industry produces more clothing than we need, the materials in landfills and pollutants in the water and atmosphere have greatly increased. Additionally, what makes fashion “fast” is that it is not built to last. Fast fashion is made up largely of synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels. Like the planned obsolescence strategy that comes with cars, cellphones and appliances, lowquality clothing is one way the industry raises profits.

Again, I return to the territorial value of stewardship. It encourages us to reduce our carbon footprint as a way of caring for creation. In this disposable economy, tell me how thrift stores help us be better stewards of the environment. 

Aimee

Dear Aimee,

At our thrift stores, we are committed to making second-hand the first choice in our communities by promoting reuse and recycling. When individuals donate and shop with us, they help extend the lifespan of gently used items, keeping them out of landfills while also reducing the demand for new clothing production. This not only reduces the consumption of raw materials, energy and water required for production but also lessens the environmental impact of fast fashion.

Environmental stewardship is an integral part of our operations. As one of Canada’s largest textile collectors and a leader in textile diversion in the charitable sector, NRO makes an important contribution to the circular economy. Last year alone, we diverted more than 42 million kilograms of clothing and household items from landfills in Canada. In fact, less than five percent of all textiles donated to us end up in landfills, meaning that 95 percent of donations contribute to making a meaningful local impact—either by being sold in our stores or responsibly processed through our ethical recycling partners.

We are also a member of the National Association for Charitable Textile Recycling (NACTR), which aims to unite Canadian charities and promote the positive social and environmental impacts of charitable textile reuse, recycling and thrift retail.

NRO plays a critical role in both protecting our planet and supporting local communities. 

Clara

Dear Clara,

Tell me more about how NRO supports my local community.

Aimee

Dear Aimee, 

Shopping at our thrift stores goes beyond just clothing—it’s a way to be a more mindful consumer in all aspects of life. Every day, thousands of new-to-you items, from kitchenware and books to electronics and children’s toys, make their way onto our sales floors. That’s why we see guests returning frequently—not only for the savings but for the opportunity to give quality items a second life. Thrifting offers an affordable and sustainable way to stock a home with essentials, refresh a wardrobe or uncover unique vintage finds.

And donations make a meaningful impact not only by giving items a second life but also by directly supporting local Salvation Army programs and services across Canada. Outside of administrative expenses, the funds raised in our thrift stores support food banks, shelters, rehabilitation for those struggling with addictions, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, emergency relief efforts, and more.

Choosing second-hand is a simple yet powerful way to make a meaningful impact. 

Clara 

Dear Clara,

All of this has been good to hear. I’m glad we work intentionally to divert materials for the benefit of the planet. And I hope Salvationists feel encouraged to shop mindfully for the sake of God’s creation!

Aimee

The Salvation Army operates 94 NRO thrift stores across Canada. To find the one nearest you and get style inspiration for what to thrift this season, visit thriftstore.ca.