Editor’s Note: Check out the 2016 Shop Drop Challenge!Last year, I discovered that 160 million American women spend an average of $60 each month on clothes, while dumping six pounds of textile waste into the landfill. That’s $10 billion and one billion pounds of trash—every month. I was so floored by those numbers that I started the Shop Drop Challenge and 500 of you joined me, saving an average of $30,000 and 3,000 pounds of waste in just one month. Not bad, right? But more than that, many of you reported that the experience changed the way you thought about shopping—you started buying less, thrifting and swapping more.
This year, when I found out that women spend nearly 190 hours a year shopping and window shopping for clothes and accessories, I realized that time—so precious to all of us—was also at stake here. So I decided to bring the Shop Drop Challenge back for 2015. If you need a New Year’s Resolution that saves time, money and the environment, this one fits the bill. Will you join me?
If you need a New Year’s Resolution that saves time, money and the environment, the Mommy Greenest 2015 Shop Drop Challenge fits the bill. Will you join me?
- At any time between now and 1.30.15, comment below with your pledge to not buy any new clothes or accessories for yourself* for 30 days.
- Swap or thrift to get your fashion fix and still fulfill the challenge.
That’s it! And it can really make a difference. According to Global Fashion Exchange, each year 1.7 billion clothing items go unused in closets across the globe. In terms of the environmental impact of fashion, here are some more facts to consider:
It takes 2,200 gallons of water to produce one pair of jeans—that’s the same as nearly 300 showers.
A plain cotton t-shirt requires 1/3 of a pound of toxic fertilizer to produce.
The textile industry is the world’s second largest water polluter, after agriculture.
95% of the clothes we throw into the landfill are recyclable.
But swapping and thrifting changes that picture considerably. If every woman in America took the Shop Drop Challenge for just 30 days, we could save $10 billion, 2.5 billion hours and one billion pounds of landfill waste—in just 30 days!
Can we top our 2014 numbers? I think so! Please pledge below and join me in the Mommy Greenest 2015 Shop Drop Challenge. Thanks!
1.21.15 Update: To celebrate the last few weeks of the 2015 Shop Drop Challenge, online consignment megastore thredUP is giving away a $500 handbag shopping spree to one lucky Mommy Greenest reader! Simply join the Challenge by commenting your pledge not buy any new clothes for the next 30 days, then enter the giveaway below. That’s it! And of course, if you need to get your fashion fix, thredUP‘s selection of more than 250,000 preloved clothes and accessories is totally acceptable!
*If your kid needs new soccer cleats, who am I to say you can’t buy them until February?
I LOVE the skirt I found at a local thrift store! It was still brand new and full of life! So much color to it too!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes for the next 30 days!!!! Totally doing this!
Yay! Just under the wire. Thank you!!
I have started going to Thrift stores and found a great pair of jeans -barely used – for $5
I pledge to get a water filter and reduce the amount of bottled water I buy.. 🙂 Hoping to win this for my Mom for VDay!
I pledge not buy any new clothes for the next 30 days
Awesome! Thanks for joining the Challenge!
I don’t think I have a major score but I do like to shop used. I really like to buy jeans because I hate that stiff new jean feeling and when you buy them used they are super soft!
Yes, and often hemmed, too! 🙂
My favorite preloved fashion score has to be a Coach purse thats 100% authentic in the regular bins with other purses, not sure why but I snagged it up and checked it out. I bought it using one of their coupons and skipped on out.
Preloved Coach, score!!!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes or accessories for yourself for 30 days. (Thats easy for me to do!)
My favorite gently used find was a designer brand beach cover up, I go to the pool or beach at least 4 times each week here in Florida and a cute and comfy cover up that you can wear to run into a grocery store or stop and gas up the car and feel respectable in is like winning the lottery!
Indeed, especially if it’s preloved and you got it for a song! 🙂
I pledge not to buy an new clothes or accessories for myself or my husband for 30 days.
Awesome, thanks Becca!
I scored some Steve Madden shoes on sale!
Yes, if they’re preloved they’re definitely on sale 🙂 Thanks for sharing Stefanie!
I have a sweet pair of Coach sunglasses that I scored for under $20.
Ooh, score! Thanks for joining the Challenge, Cynthia! 🙂
I pledge to not buy new clothes for myself for at least 30 days!
Preloved item: this awesome trench I got from my mom. Sadly it is now too small, but I might still be able to make use of it again someday;)
Awesome! Hold on to it, those classic trenches never go out of style 🙂
Yay, thanks for joining the Challenge, Amy!
it’s a little embarrassing to say, but i hardly ever buy new clothes so 30 days shouldn’t be too hard. and even when i do i always buy second-hand or swap. love this challenge and i hope it brings the recognition to what the process of making those clothes is all about.
Not embarassing at all! Good for you Alexis!! 🙂
I pledge not to buy any new clothes or accessories for 30 days 😀
Thanks.
I found a great black leather coat at a yard sale last summer & paid only $5 🙂 & it was like new condition.
Thanks.
My favorite preloved fashion find right now is a chunky grey short sleeve sweater with a kangaroo pocket. So weird and wacky! And so comfortable!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes or accessories for myself for 30 days!
I found a fifties era faux fur coat w/silk lining that was used but had never been worn for $10. It looks fabulous and is so warm.
Awesome! Thanks for joining the challenge, Annalisa. Will you post a pic on our FB page? I’d love to see! Sounds like a total score!
This is a fantastic idea! I’m going to clean out my closet, finally do my mending, and donate this week! Those environmental statistics really put things into perspective.
Yay! Thanks for taking the Challenge!
black dress
Growing up I loved getting hand me downs from my cousin as I thought she was very fashionable and that I would be as well if I wore her clothes.
Me too! Mine were from a family friend who was five years older but always two sizes smaller 🙁 I loved her clothes but they never fit right!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes for at least 60 days, and during that period, I will clean my closet, either donating or upcycling anything I haven’t worn in more than 1 year.
Fantastic!!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes for at least 60 days, and in that period, I will clean my closet, donating or upcycling anything I haven’t worn in more than 1 year.
I pledge not to shop for new stuff for at least the next 30 days. This is easy because I’ve been finding better stuff at thrift stores! Latest find was a pair of perfectly fitting Levi’s, and they were 50% off the already killer price of $6.99!
Awesome score! Post a pic on our Facebook page?
I don’t know if this counts, but I took a hoodie my sister no longer wanted, and I absolutely love it! It’s so comfy. I also have blue kitten heels I got at Plato’s Closet which I really like too.
Totally counts! Thanks for joining the Challenge!
I love a men’s hoodie I got at a thrift store once a few years back. It’s big, warm, n soft. And I love it.
I pledge to not shop for the next 30 days! I will also pledge to give away 5 pieces of clothing to a women’s centre where ladies can just take what they need for free!
Awesome! Way to take it to the next level, Anita 😉
I pledge not to buy any new clothes or accessories for 30 days. I get a lot of my clothes through thrift stores, swaps & Freecycle, & think any option like this is great.
Thank you for joining the Challenge, Phoenix!
I pledge!
Yay!
My favorite preloved fashion score is a blue dress that my mother gave me, I’ve seen old photos where she’s wearing that same dress.
Oh I love this, thank you for sharing! If you’re so inclined, will you post a photo on our Facebook page? Multigenerational upcycling!
I pledge to stop wearing the same old clothes and wear all the clothes in my closet.
If I don’t wear them, I’m going to donate them.
Awesome!
I love second hand stuff!! My favorite find is a dress for my daughter!!
I have gotten a lot of Banana Republic clothes thrift and a coach purse!
Plus, I realized my NYR is to not shop for as long as possible. But I do love my thrift stores…
Well, thrift is okay for the Challenge–but I hear you!! Sounds like you are an expert thrifter 🙂
bags of course!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes for 30 days!!
Yay! Thanks for joining the Challenge, Penny!
I take the pledge! I love to shop in my mother’s attic closet – incredible finds from the 60’s & 70’s.
Ooh! Will you post some pics on http://www.Facebook.com/MommyGreenest? I’d love to see!!
My favorite pre-loved fashion score was baby/toddler clothes for my granddaughter at a thrift store when she was little. Little ones sometimes grow so fast that new parents often have to get rid of clothes that were never even worn!
Absolutely! Although I found that my kids never went through a stage without staining EVERYTHING.
Can’t remember the last time I purchased new clothes so I have no problem not doing it
Awesome! Welcome!
found brand new crocs at the local goodwill… $2.00 score
I pledge not to buy any new clothes in the next 30 days. I have 3 closets full of clothes that I will go through and donate.
Yay! You rock Lori!
I have a lovely little beaded handbag from a thrift shop. It reminds me of something a flapper would’ve had 🙂
Sounds pretty! Will you post a pic on our FB page?
I love thrifting! I very rarely buy brand new clothes for myself (except necessities like socks and unmentionalbles!)
Oh, I forgot to add, my favorite finds are hideous old prom/bridesmaid dresses that I can upcycle into halloween costumes 🙂
Love!!!
Yes, unmentionables are DEFINITELY bought new!
I scored a VS tank and nike skirt from thred up this summer!!!
Love it! Did you check out the 99 Cent Event yet?
I’m in! I actually shopped at Goodwill yesterday. My favorite score was from there – a Juicy Couture hoodie for $4.99! And I love ThredUp!
Awesome, me too! Great find!
I recently bought 1 sweater, 1 blouse and 2 shirts at Value Village. I was so excited it only cost me $15!!!
Amazing, right? Love those finds!
I am not buying clothes for a month!
Awesome! Thanks for joining the Challenge, Marlene!
First, I pledge to not buy any new clothes or accessories for myself for 30 days. My favorite preloved score is my winter coat for this year.
Yay! Thanks for joining the Challenge, Robin!
My preloaded score is a vintage coat.
Love it! So classic…and warm!
Timely, because I actually took a vow not to shop about a week ago (Monday). So far, so good.
My best score was a Jil Sander pencil skirt (it didn’t fit me, at size 4, so I gave it to my daughter).
Awesome!
I”m in! I also ordered a bag from thredUp. I’m more happy to give away than to get anything back at all. 🙂 Trying to simplify for the new year.
Simple is better! Thanks for joining the Challenge.
I hate to shop and I habitually make over or repurpose clothes I already have, so I already pledge as a way of life and would love to win!
Awesome! I love those upcycled creations. I am a horrible sewer so I just admire others’ and get proud when I can fix a button 🙂
I have been cleaning out my closets trying to cut back, so I take the pledge!
Perfect timing!!
I will up you one! Jan and Feb: no new clothes purchases!! I love thrift stores — especially ones with vintage jewelry and bags! I found a leather, Italian-made, wallet recently for $3 that appeared to be hardly ever used! Love bargains!!
Awesome! Two months it is!! That wallet sounds like a find 🙂
I’m making a pledge of not buying any fashion or accessories for thirty days. My best find was at a thrift shop. It was a lovely caramel colored handbag that I have carried for quite a few years.
Thank you Inga! So excited to have you do the challenge with us!
No Shopping for 30 days seems impossible but I’m willing to try. If I can find great vintage finds in my mothers closet I can do it at a consignment store too!
You can do it!! Let me know how it goes…!
I scored a Liz Claiborne bag from the 80’s for less than $5! Always loved them & this one was new with tags!
Great find! Thanks for joining the challenge, Lisa 🙂
I’m making the pledge! I think my favorite preloved fashion score is a black, leather Coach messenger bag that I found second-hand for $60 (rather than $500! which I would never spend on a bag 😉
Ooh, that sounds like a find! Thanks for joining the Challenge, Valarie 🙂
I will not buy any new clothes or accessories for myself for the next 30 days.
I pledge not to purchase any new clothes for the next 30+ days
I pledge not to shop for the next 30 days.
I found a 85$ Tshirt for 13$ at La Ropas here in Texas!
Awesome find!! Thanks for joining up!
I pledge not to purchase any new clothes for the next 30+ days. This does give me the excuse to visit Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Plato’s closet which were on my list to do soon anyway.
Great!! Thanks for joining us Cecele!
I pledge not to bu any new clothes for 30 days!! You can also find some great buys at Goodwill!
Yes, absolutely! Thanks Kim!
I pledge not to buy any new clothes for myself or anyone else for 30 days!
I can do this. I shop regularly at our local Salvation Army Store. I have found so many great deals over the years, I am always asked where I bought my outfits from and people always looked shocked when I tell them. I look great and save money and recycle and reuse!
And you’re supporting a great organization. Thanks for sharing Darlene!
A $10 pair of purple Nike’s from the 80’s in exactly my size, 6.5. Mint condition!
Score!!!
I pledge to now buy any new clothes or accessories for myself for thirty days.
Yay!
was sunglasses i paid for at shop hers for like less than 100 that cost 300 or so like score
Score, indeed! Thanks for joining!
I pledge not to buy any new clothes or accessories, easy peasy, i am broke anyway
Lol! Great comment, Kim. Thanks for joining the Challenge!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes or accessories for yourself* for 30 days.
Awesome!
I got a black knit sweater dress – Nieman Marcus – from probably the 60s at an estate sale for $8. It’s awesome and flawless.
LOVE hearing about finds like this! Thanks for joining the Challenge, Denise!
Those are some scary statistics, I pledge not to buy any new clothes for myself or anyone else for 30 days!
I found a vintage Michael Kors handbag at a thrift shop for 19.99 and a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress for 4.99! I love thrifting and second hand online shopping-it’s the best!
Awesome score, Raine! Thanks for taking the Challenge!
I pledge not to shop for clothes or accessories for 30 days. However, I am one of those people that drag down the averages. I am not a big shopper. I like clothing, I just don’t make myself a priority, so I only shop when I have a true need. My mom and me share a lot of clothing, which I love. When she is done with something then I get it.
That is preloved in action–adding extra love, too! Thanks for sharing Kelly and for joining the Challenge!
I love your challenge and happily join. I have found several great consignment stores and thrift stores. The great thing about the former is that you can sell your stuff there as well. I almost never buy new clothes (why bother!).
I know, right? Once you stop buying new you realize how much $$ people waste!! Thanks for joining the Challenge, good luck with the giveaway!
I love what you are doing! I would love to go shopping in my closet–now if I can just drop those extra pounds….
Great giveaway.
Thanks Anna! I know, it’s a great way to kill two resolutions with one commitment, right?
I enjoy my previously loved jeans – got them at a consignment store and they fit me like a glove!
Preloved jeans are the BEST! Especially when you’re 5’4″ like me and ALL new jeans are too short. I love it that they’re already hemmed!
I pledge not buy any new clothes for the next 30 days! I will go through my closets and find stuff I haven’t worn in a while, which will feel like wearing something new, lol 😉
Yay! It’s the best feeling! Let me know how it goes Nicky!
Excited to join Shop Drop! Thanks for the inspiration. I’m in television, so over the years, I’ve amassed a huge wardrobe of great clothes – many of which I never wear! One of my 2015 resolutions is not to buy any “new” clothes for 12 months – if I can swing it. Shop Drop is a great jump start to this experiment.
Luckily, I love thrill of thrifting/swapping, and truly enjoy treasure hunting for one of a kind, classic items. Armed with my color palette and best silhouettes, it’s easy to know what works and what doesn’t pretty quickly. As part of my resolution, I’ve donated or swapped 25% of my wardrobe – anything that doesn’t fit perfectly, that I no longer LOVE, or that I just don’t wear for any reason. This has been so spiritually cathartic. It’s helped me make room for “new” vintage/thrifted looks while also refreshing my style seasonally. Some of my favorite nationwide swap destinations are Crossroads and Buffalo Traders, but you’d be surprised what you can find at Goodwill! Somehow, a fashion angel I call the “Thrift Fary” is always on my side. The key is never going thrifting/swapping if I need an item right away. Shopping off-season is the sure bet! I found a dress I wore to the Emmy’s in a vintage shop – six months before I even knew I would be attending! It takes detachment and faith not to hoard stuff and to trust that you can manifest what you need, when you need it (law of attraction at work!), but after all, it’s just clothes. When it’s all said and done, you can’t take them with you!
Awesome comment, Bianca! Law of attraction, indeed: I’ve have the experience SO many times where I *want* something–black boots, jean jacket, party dress–and walk into a thrift/swap store and POOF there it is! TOTALLY believe in the Thrift Fairy!!! Thanks for sharing, and joining the Shop Drop Challenge 🙂
I’m in! Stuff does not equal happiness!
Yay! Agreed! 🙂
I’m too late?
No you can still sign up, absolutely! You commit to the challenge in January and then complete your 39 days through February, if you’re signing up now. Thanks for joining the challenge!
Pledging to this isn’t as hard as it sounds. I used to be a clothes horse. After moving 4 times in 4 years I learned to scale back on possessions. I got rid of many, many bags of clothes and lots of other things. I give my friends first dibs, then try to sell items on consignment and donate the rest. I realized I have my go-to faves and didn’t use the rest that much. Now I can actually find things in my closet because the extras aren’t there and I don’t miss them. I did recently buy a pair of down gloves but it was after being caught in a snow storm for almost an hour with a par of gloves that left my hands raw. So, some purchases are necessary. For the others I ask myself if I want to pack them again next time I move. The answer is usually ‘no.”
Oh thank you so much for sharing your story, you are an inspiration, Linda!
I have not bought myself anything since 2012. I post items through various groups on facebook and that’s how I buy my daughter clothes…. Sooo basically I will continue doing this! 🙂 I actually went back to school shopping for my step son at salvation army and got 10 pairs of pants and 15 shirts for $10 total. and guess what… less than 6 months later he grew out of them so we brought them back and did it again…
Amazing! You are my hero. My daughter will thrift with me, but my son won’t. I hope that one day they will follow my example!
I’m way ahead of the game. The last time I bought any new clothing was in June of 2014, for my 60th birthday. Those few items were ethically and sustainably produced. All the holiday presents I gave were handmade, by me. I haven’t even bought any thrift shop goods (where I usually shop). I’m on a campaign to clean out my closet, and keep only what I love. Two years ago (or so) I bought a 5-way dress (really more like a 50-way dress) from Thieves by Sonja den Elzen, which I believe has been renamed Metamorph. Health and peace.
Amazing! You are my hero!!!
Thanks to Give + Take I think I bought one item of clothing last year. Of course I’m in for 2015!
Awesome! Swapping is DEFINITELY the way to make this challenge fun!
I’m in. See you at the swap soon!
Awesome!!!
What a wonderful idea! I do not throw things out. I always donate, give to family or consign. There is always someone in need…why trash?
Absolutely, Melanie! thanks for joining the Challenge!!
Rachel,
This is a fantastic idea! I’m going to pass this challenge on to others and hope they will join in. I already tend to buy most of my clothes from thrift store or consignment shops so this will be an easy one for me. I can definitely go the whole month without buying anything new. Thank you for starting this challenge!
Awesome! Yes, please bring your friends to the challenge! I think it’s easier if we’re all doing it together 🙂 Thanks Carol!
This is awesome. Great info-I am in. Would also like to point out another huge way to greatly reduce water pollution and way to save this resource that is running low Please checkout how much water is polluted and used to produce one pound of meat. Between having to feed so many animals and the amount it takes to process, etc. them it is insane. And of course the cruelty is beyond even if they are grass fed which is also not sustainable for everyone. I chose to live as compassionate life as possible years ago by becoming vegan. If that is not possible for you, please try to cut down the amount of animals you consume. Great for you, the animals and the environment on so many levels.
Thanks Jeannie! Yes, I am so with you. Reducing consumption is so important–for the environment, the animals and for us. Thanks for joining the Challenge!
Hi Rachel, Great idea and cause. I am fully on board and won’t purchase anything of the sort!
Awesome! Yay Latham Thomas in the house! 🙂
I did really well last year purchasing almost no new clothing… and then I got a new job that required a little more fashion sense. Thankfully I discovered Le Tote! This is an amazing monthly swap out service and if you love something you can buy it at consignment prices. So fun to keep your wardrobe revolving without the drain to the enviroment!
https://letote.com/r/D167A4
I am also a fan of ThredUP – I think I learned about it here… I am awaiting my first purchase from them soon. Good luck ladies!!
Le Tote, I will have to check that out. Thanks for joining the Shop Drop Challenge!
I’m in and I’m even going to join on behalf of my husband and kids. Sell old clothes at consignment stores is our January resolution.
Awesome! We should count them, too! 🙂
I’m in! I started jan 1st and donated two large bags of clothes to st. vinny’s. I now know what’s in my closet and dresser!!!!
Awesome! Isn’t it amazing when you clean out you actually have MORE? Thanks for joining the team, Jennifer! 🙂
I Pledge to not buy clothes in January 2015!
Awesome! Thanks Brittney!
I’m in ~ and shopping’s out!! 😀
Yay! Thanks Angelina, so happy to have you a part of this movement!
I’ll take the 30 day Shop Drop Challenge and I’ll see you another 30 days. Hit me!
I pledge to not buy any new clothes for 30 days! This is super easy for me. I’m a huge advocate for shopping second hand or swapping with friends. I’d rather spend my money on travel 😉
Awesome! Thanks so much for joining us Laura. You are a pro!
This is no problem for me. My business Scrapcycling is based on the concept of upcycling and I divert fabric and other items from the waste stream and transform them into a wide variety of useful and wearable items that are sturdy and stylish. Supporting my business means diverting more waste and as I expand I would like to incorporate outreach work into my business model.
I love this idea! What’s the website, let’s share it with the #shopdrop2015 community here and I’ll share it on the MG Facebook page as well. Thanks so much for joining this effort!!
I love this idea! I am SO in.
Yay! So great to have you involved, Ashley! 🙂
Done! I pledge… no wasted money on clothing for me for 30 days (my husband’s gonna LOVE this!) 🙂
Awesome Jill! I know, the hubbies should REALLY get on board, right?!?
Great to have this awareness. I’ll happily thrift or no-shop for at least 30 days!
Awesome! Thanks for joining the Shop Drop team, Elisa! 🙂
I pledge to not shop for the next 30 days!
Awesome. Thanks for doing this with us, Alexia!
I’m in! I’m not a huge shopper – I love thrift and consignment stores and I never throw clothes out (donate – WAY too many people are in need) so this won’t be hard…I think. Great idea and I’m going to share on my social media so hopefully we can inspire more.
Awesome, thanks so much Ellen! I’d LOVE your help getting the word out!
I pledge not to buy any new clothes for the month of January.
Awesome! Thank Courtney!
No buying from me, and glad to help 🙂
Wonderful! Thanks Melissa!
i am definitely in
Awesome! Thank you Lynn! I’m so excited for this year!
This will actually be quite a challenge for me as I’m a regular online shopper, but I’m in!
Yay! Thank you so much for being a part! 🙂
I’m in. And will double my pledge to get to 60 days. Swap/thrift only.
Yay! We should count you as TWO! Thanks Marie 🙂
How ironic! I was just telling my friends that one of my New Year’s resolutions was that I was not going to buy clothes in 2015 – only SWAP. What a great idea to not buy for 30 days! I hope others try it.
Thanks Rachel!
Awesome! So glad you will be joining the team. Thanks Holly! 🙂
This is great count me in!
Awesome! Thanks for joining us! 🙂
I’ve been doing it! Swapping is my new hobby and doesn’t take up that much time and get to spend time with others and socialize!
Awesome, thanks for joining the team 🙂
I’m in!
Awesome! Thanks for joining the team, Jen! 🙂
I am in!
Half embarrassed and half proud to say I hardly ever buy clothes. A month is nothing.
That is fantastic! Thanks for joining us, Stacy 🙂
I’M ALL FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) =) =)
Yay! Thanks for taking the challenge, Raquelle!
Well…the last time I bought clothes for me was August of this year.. so it’ll be easy to continue to be too strapped to splurge. 🙂
Yay! Thanks for joining!
Thank you, I’m in!
Yay you are awesome! Thanks for dropping the shop with me 🙂
A After reading this and seeing how it effects the environment, I pledge not to buy clothes for the month of January! Now I feel bad for shopping every couple of weeks. Its going to be hard but definitely worth it!
Yay! Thanks for joining us, Ayla! Tell a friend–we can REALLY make a difference in January!
Oh, that is a lot of water to produce a single pair of jeans! Makes em feel better that I don’t buy a ton of new clothes – I think I can go one whole month without buying any new clothes or accessories!
Awesome! Thanks for being a part, Joann! 🙂