As fast fashion dominates the industry and landfills overflow with massive amounts of waste, the earth demands that we slow down—it needs slow fashion and a circular economy. Our excessive consumption and growing waste pile are depleting natural resources faster than the planet can recover. This makes it crucial for us to pause and reflect on reducing our consumption habits and consider the possible benefits of second-hand items we often throw away.

However, simply recognizing the need for change isn’t enough. It’s human nature to be motivated by incentives, and one of the most effective ways to inspire action is through rewards. We tend to participate more in an action when we get something in return, don’t we?

These Brands Help Consumers Reuse or Earn From Second-Hand Items

Ikea and Uniqlo understand the need for slow fashion and a circular economy. We’ll explore how these brands encourage you to make an efficient use of your second-hand items.

IKEA: Buy Back Service

Image credit: Photo by Jueun Song on Unsplash

IKEA is already working towards sustainability by using renewable materials and enhancing energy efficiency. Furniture disposal can be time-consuming and energy-draining, often resulting in tons of waste in landfills. 

Thankfully, IKEA offers a solution through its Buy-Back Service! In addition to existing sustainability efforts, IKEA is also working to reduce waste. One way they do this is by offering to buy back used furniture under certain conditions, with the key requirement being that the items must be from IKEA. 

You have the option to either drop them off yourself or have them picked up—whichever is more convenient for you. Just be sure to review the guidelines beforehand. Once the furniture is collected, IKEA resells it in their Circular Market, giving it a second life. Next time you’re at IKEA, be sure to check out the Circular Market—you might just find a great deal on the item you’ve been looking for!

UNIQLO: RE.UNIQLO STUDIO

Image credit: Photo by P. L. on Unsplash

UNIQLO is already known for its high-quality production, and now it is taking it a step further by maximizing the life of its clothing through RE. UNIQLO STUDIO. It does this by offering various options for customers, adding extra life and diversity to its clothes. Customers can repair damaged areas to continue wearing, customize, or transform them into new items. You can also donate your items to UNIQLO stores, which will either be reused by the needy community or recycled for other manufacturing processes. 

All you need to do is gather your favorite UNIQLO items, find a nearby UNIQLO store, and take them to the RE.UNIQLO STUDIO. From there, you can work with the staff to decide the best way to continue wearing your beloved clothes—whether repairing tears, patching them with cute embroidery, or giving them a fresh look. The options are endless!

For the lucky ones, there’s a special offer at certain stores called Sashiko by UNIQLO. Sashiko is a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that uses fun geometric patterns to repair damaged areas and add unique designs. Plus, it provides extra warmth, making it both practical and stylish.

Sashiko service is available at Setagaya Chitosedai, Maebashi Minami Interchange, and Tenjin stores.

Let’s Make the Most Out of Second-Hand Items Efficiently!

We’ve discussed how well-known and affordable brands like IKEA and UNIQLO offer excellent opportunities to benefit from second-hand items. In addition to making sustainable products, they actively support a circular economy. By participating in these initiatives, we contribute to their efforts, helping them produce more sustainable items while maximizing the life of their products so they can be used as second-hand items. So, take advantage of these valuable opportunities next time you’re looking for ways to handle second-hand items! 

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