Sustainable shopping and upcycling tips for the holidays in Chicago
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The 2023 Trashy Holiday Market. Photo: Courtesy of Roark Johnson.
During this season of splurging and spending — and let's be honest, lots of waste — local groups are helping shoppers turn throwaways into treasures in an effort to counteract the consumption of this week's big spending holidays.
Why it matters: Illinois landfills are expected to reach capacity in less than 20 years, making upcycling and sustainable shopping an urgent, year-round concern.
Driving the news: The Nowhere Collective is hosting its 3rd annual Trashy Holiday Market this Friday and Saturday in North Center, where "Trash Smashers" will turn recycled stuff into new, unique items.
- There will also be clothing and pet goods swaps and artisans selling sustainable goods.
What they're saying: "During COVID, I started to repair and embellish used clothing with embroidery. When I couldn't find a local market that specialized in upcycling to sell my wares, I decided to start one. That's when I came up with the concept of Trashy Markets and sought out other artisans who also transform trash," Nowhere Collective founder Katy Osborn tells Axios.
State of play: Here are some of my tips on how best to thrift, bargain hunt and find the coolest stuff:
- Thrifting and vintage shopping aren't quite the same. Many vintage stores like Dovetail, Lost Girls Vintage and 18th Street Vintage are a little pricier because they're reselling one-of-a-kind or designer clothing and furniture that's specially curated.
- Chicago has seen a rise in vintage festivals and pop-ups. The Chicago Vintage Festival will be at Water Tower Place from Nov. 29-Dec. 12.
- Brown Elephant, Mercy Beaucoup and Goodwill are all good places to shop and donate toward worthy causes.
- Upscale consignment shops carry second-hand designer goods, which can be pricey but they donate the proceeds. North Shore Exchange has locations in Glencoe, Wilmette and 900 North Michigan.