Back after a few weeks of vacation, I had the opportunity to pass through several towns and villages in the Canadian Maritimes, and I was struck by the number of clothing donation boxes in certain municipalities (supporting proof attached). They seem to have become an omnipresent element of the landscape, testifying to a growing trend towards the illusion of donation and 'recycling'. In this edition, we'll explore how the role of thrift stores is evolving, what challenges they face, and how they can adapt to a society increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of fashion. + Go below to read THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that I have been hiding for several editions of the trendsetter. Thrift = Green?♻️More and more people are choosing second hand as a default option, convinced that it reduces their environmental impact. Opting for second-hand clothing actually means making a gesture in favor of the planet by giving new life to already existing items, rather than contributing to the production of new goods. However, it is crucial to recognize that this approach loses its meaning if it is accompanied by overconsumption of second hand goods. In 2022, La presse reported a disturbing trend: some people buy new clothes for the sole purpose of reselling them on online platforms, seeking to make a small profit. This practice, far from reducing environmental impact, actually contributes to overproduction and excessive consumption. Another worrying phenomenon is the appearance of brand-new clothes in thrift stores. Le journal de Québec reported that some businesses, faced with excess inventory, choose to sell or donate these items to thrift stores. This may seem virtuous, but you should know that these donations can also offer tax advantages to businesses. What is worrying is that this practice contributes to the invasion of disposable fashion brands on thrift store racks, where we now find brands like Shein, known for the poor quality and shorter lifespan. Back to the bins, there is also an inherent collective construct that what is given in the clothing donation bins will find the hands of a person in needs locally, it isn't always the case. Radio-Canada reported that between 80 and 90% of clothing donation will not be sold locally in 2018. In the PressI spoke with a journalist from l'Itinéraire for the July edition on 'clothes' to dissect thrift stores and we discussed other issues that now weigh on thrift stores:
To stay on top of the future of thrift stores...a few different news sources I appreciate: 👗 Consommer moins Consommer mieux: (FR) First second-hand information media 👖L'info Durable: (FR) ID is the first continuous information media dedicated to Sustainable Development. 👓TheGoodGoods: The fashion media based on evidence 👟 FashionTakesAction: Canada's first non-profit organization, established in 2007 to advance sustainability, ethics and circularity across the fashion system. 👔Mildew: A second-hand print magazine Dru.... 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁 🥁🥁🥁🥁 🥁🥁🥁 📣 I wrote a book 📣A guide to ecological, economical and committed consumption entitled Rien de neuf. (Nothing's New - French only) This book inspires toGive, lend, borrow, exchange, rent, buy second-hand: find all the everyday objects without buying anything new! This practical guide teaches how to acquire the items you need (and want!) while saving money and reducing your environmental footprint. Each chapter presents moments in life that usually require the acquisition of “new” goods: development or renovations, the arrival of a child, parties and celebrations, sports and leisure activities, travel, etc.
I believe Rien de neuf could easily be adapted to the Canadian market (and translated to English) easily, if a reader is interested and work in editing, let me know. On the agenda📆 Since August 21st - Rien de neuf is available in bookstores 📆 August 28 - Swap & Discovery at La Tétro in Tétreaultville in Montreal, where I will share about my experience with Rien de neuf 📆 September 17 at the École Supérieure de Mode ESG-UQAM, I will host a panel on the issues of clothing resale 📆 Septembre X in Quebec City (details to be confirmed) Note: This newsletter usually focuses on foresight and emerging trends. However, with the publication of my new book, which further explores alternative consumption, future editions may be less frequent, depending on the progress of my work in this area. To stay up to date with all developments, follow me on social media as well: LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM Sincerely, |
Cette infolettre vous est présenté... par le train. Littéralement : alors que je prenais le train de retour d'Ottawa à Montréal (un rituel annuel que j'associe désormais à l'observation silencieuse et à la réflexion), je n'ai pu m'empêcher de constater que certaines choses avaient changé à bord. Des signaux discrets, des comportements subtils et des décisions audacieuses de la part des passagers comme des opérateurs – tout indique un changement dans nos façons de nous déplacer, dans nos...
This trendsletter was brought to you... by the train. Literally: As I was riding the train back from Ottawa to Montréal (a yearly ritual I now associate with quiet observation and reflection), I couldn’t help but notice how much has changed onboard. Small signals, subtle behaviors, and bold decisions by passengers and operators alike — all pointing toward a shift in how we move, what we value, and how speed isn't everything anymore. Let’s take a look at what’s brewing on the rails. 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 👀...
This edition was prepared in Montreal, Canada, where the news hasn't been particularly good in recent months. New here? Don't hesitate to send me a message to let me know what you're looking for in this newsletter. Happy reading! 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ Between climate crises, geopolitical conflicts, and inflation creeping into our plates, it's hard not to feel information fatigue. And yet, a counter-current is slowly but surely emerging: Good news movement. 💌 The counter-current that does good In recent...