BREWER, Maine — Halloween is right around the corner and many people may not realize the environmental impact of discarded Halloween costumes.
According to the National Retail Federation, over 35 million costumes are thrown away yearly in the United States.
Shopping at your local thrift store for Halloween is both sustainable and affordable for families. That's why advocates and frequent thrift shoppers are shedding a light on why Halloween costume thrift shopping is beneficial for the community.
"If I was a kid again I'd be in here in a heartbeat," frequent Goodwill shopper Dottie Bazinet said.
While Dottie Bazinet won't be buying a Halloween costume this year, they know the importance of sustainable and affordable shopping.
"Why do I need to buy that one brand new costume that was like, I'm never going to wear it again?" Morgan Sewall, retail marketing and communication specialist for Goodwill Northern New England, said.
That's why local thrift stores like Goodwill make it their mission to shed light on thrift shopping, especially during Halloween.
"You can also count on the fact that you're promoting sustainable shopping and circular economy because when you buy something brand new, you're buying into the promotion of maybe harmful manufacturing that went into it and unethical labor standards," Sewall said.
And when people come in to the local thrift store, it's not only environmentally friendly and affordable but also a chance to create memories with loved ones.
"It allows the family to be creative. Come in here, be creative, find a piece here, find a piece there, and maybe get with the kids to come together and build something or make something," Samuel Jackson, assistant store manager at Goodwill in Brewer, said.
You can donate Halloween costumes or other used items in good condition at your local Goodwill or other thrift stores.