THERE'S always that itch — a birthday dinner or an out-of-town trip — that suddenly makes your closet full of clothes feel empty. Buying a new outfit becomes second nature. But this World Environment Day, what if we chose to press pause on that cycle?
With fashion production contributing around 10 percent of global carbon emissions, the simple act of repeating an outfit or buying secondhand becomes more than a personal style choice. And it’s catching on. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry’s carbon footprint is bigger than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Celebrity take
In the Philippines, this message gained new momentum when Pinoy Big Brother houseguest Bianca Umali went viral for saying, “Sustainable fashion and also repeating clothes. It’s normal. We’re human and it’s practical. Me? I repeat outfits a lot.”
Anne Curtis also made headlines in March 2024 for confidently wearing a decade-old outfit. Known for her love of luxury fashion, Anne surprised fans when she rocked a gray cropped top with a large smiley print on “It’s Showtime” — the same top she first wore back in 2014.
Their actions have inspired others to rethink their wardrobe habits. If a celebrity can proudly repeat their outfits on national TV, why can’t we?
Cebu’s thrift culture
In Cebu, the younger generation is stepping up with practical and stylish solutions. Thrift markets like Ukay Ta Bai have become more than just shopping events. In its first season in March 2024, Ukay Ta Bai drew long lines of enthusiastic shoppers eager to find vintage gems, branded apparel and one-of-a-kind pieces — all while supporting a movement against fast fashion’s wastefulness. Now, Ukay Ta Bai remains the biggest flea market in Cebu, gathering more than 70 merchants for its pop-ups.
Other local events, such as Papi and Friends and smaller pocket flea markets around the metro, also contribute to this rising thrift culture. These markets create spaces where buying secondhand is normalized and encouraged, proving that fashion doesn’t need to be fast or disposable to be cool.
Beyond just fashion, thrifting represents a shift in values — a commitment to reducing waste, reusing resources and choosing quality over quantity. Every secondhand purchase lessens the demand for new production and reduces the environmental toll on our planet. It’s a win-win for shoppers and Earth alike.