Last week, on August 17, we celebrated National Thrift Shop Day, but if you haven’t had a chance to visit one of the local shops, here’s a second chance, and another reason. National Secondhand Wardrobe Day is August 25, so now is the time to clear out your unwanted clothes and to find some that are new to you.

Thrift shopping has recently become popular; teens go shop to shop in search of vintage clothing. Cosmopolitan says  “since 2017, there has been a 31% increase in the number of second-hand items listed on eBay.”

Clearing out your own closet can help the homeless and also unfortunate families. Some nearby places you can donate clothes are Goodwill in Fairfield, Savers in Vacaville, and Opportunity House in Vacaville.

Not only is giving clothes to thrift shops a benefit for the community, but according to the BBC, continuing to actively wear a garment for just nine months longer could diminish its environmental impacts by 20–30%. Purchasing those assignments at thrift shops or garage sales or getting them from friends can help you help the environment, too.

Plato’s Closet also recently opened up in Vacaville, where you can bring your gently used clothes there and get cash on the spot.  When shopping at a second-hand store it is very important to look at every item. You find the best finds in the places you would least expect. Julie Sharp says to avoid competing with people for clothes. “The ideal days of the week to go to a thrift store are Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.”

The Spruce also says, “Don’t limit yourself to thrift stores in your neighborhood. Venture out to nearby neighborhoods and towns, especially those areas where thrift store shopping isn’t trendy.”

However you celebrate National Secondhand Wardrobe Day, make sure you do your part for the community and the environment.