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Fight Plastic Pollution at The Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 Sale
Photography by Plastic Pollution Coalition
No matter how you bend it, plastic is harmful to all living things on Earth—that’s why we’re supporting Plastic Pollution Coalition through our annual Earth Day $1 Sale! On Saturday, April 18th, starting at normal store opening hours, all Buffalo Exchange locations (including the outlets!) will offer a special selection of clothes, shoes and accessories priced for just $1 apiece. With 100% of proceeds going to Plastic Pollution Coalition, shopping the $1 Sale won’t just help keep excess clothing out of the environment — it’ll also play a real role in reducing plastic waste around the world!
About Plastic Pollution Coalition
Founded in 2009 by a small group of artists, activists, scientists and leaders, Plastic Pollution Coalition is a nonprofit advocacy and communications organization that works tirelessly to create a more just, equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. In partnership with a global alliance of organizations, businesses and individuals, Plastic Pollution Coalition champions plastic-free reuse and refill systems, supports policies that hold polluters accountable and amplifies the voices of frontline communities disproportionately harmed by the petrochemical industry.
Photography by Plastic Pollution Coalition
Photography by Plastic Pollution Coalition
The Facts on Plastic Pollution
- Nearly all plastics are made from fossil fuels and contain thousands of chemicals—many of them hazardous—that can pollute ecosystems and accumulate in our bodies, causing numerous health problems.
- Despite decades of messaging around recycling, less than 10 percent of plastic ever produced has been recycled.
- Plastic inflicts major injustices on BIPOC, rural and low-income communities
- Plastic items injure and kill millions of wild animals every year
Even if you don’t see discarded plastic in your community, tiny pieces of plastic have been found everywhere around the world, from the highest mountain peaks to the deepest ocean trenches. No single person can make a change, but when we work together to enact healthy, just policies, improve business practices and hold the plastics industry accountable, we can make a real difference!
Think your personal plastic usage doesn’t amount to much? Here are a few small changes you can make that add up to a big impact:
- Fix what you have by repairing instead of buying new & reuse materials when possible so that they don’t have to go to a landfill.
- Consider creating a local lending library or a shared spreadsheet between friends, family members and neighbors so you can all reuse more.
- Refuse single-use plastic whenever you can.
On top of all these awesome tips, our favorite way to reduce plastic waste is…
Shopping the Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 Sale!
If you didn’t know, fast fashion creates plastic pollution—and a LOT of it! 70% of clothing produced each year is made of plastic fibers containing thousands of harmful chemicals and 3 out of 5 clothing items are discarded within a year of being produced and sold. That works out to MILLIONS of clothes, shoes and accessories polluting ecosystems and the accumulation of tons of toxins in our bodies, which can go on to cause numerous health problems.
By shopping preloved clothing at our annual $1 Sale, you’ll have a direct part in diverting wearable clothing away from landfills and the ocean and into our closets where they can be reworn for years to come!
First time or a long time since you’ve shopped an Earth Day $1 Sale?
Here’s everything you need to know:
- PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY: The sale starts at normal store opening hours, but we recommend arriving early for the best selection and to ensure you don’t miss out. Each store has a special selection of $1 items and they go quickly! $1 Sale experts usually arrive an hour to 30 minutes before opening to get in line.
- BRING CASH: No plastic or digital payments here — the $1 Sale is CASH ONLY (that also means no Buffalo Exchange trade or gift cards), so make sure to stop by the ATM before you arrive.
- DRESS COMFORTABLY: Dressing rooms won’t be available for the $1 Sale, so make sure to wear an outfit you can try clothes on over. We recommend a tank or tee with leggings or bike shorts!
- BRING A (REUSABLE) BAG: Bring a tote to haul your new-to-you finds or buy a reusable Buffalo Exchange bag for just $2.50. They’re made of 70% recycled plastic bottles and can hold a hefty amount of secondhand gems!
- BE PREPARED FOR OUTSIDE TIME: At most locations, the $1 Sale takes place in uncovered parking lots or along the sidewalk in front of your local Buffalo. Protect your skin with SPF, wear sunglasses and a hat to block the sun and remember to bring water to replenish!
- HAVE FUN: Remember, this is all for a great cause! Keep it kind and treat your fellow shoppers (and Buffalo Exchange employees!) with respect. If you see someone harshing the vibe, please let a staff member know!
We can’t wait to see you at the Earth Day $1 Sale! The secondhand fashion festivities will kick off at our normal opening time, so double-check your local Buffalo’s hours here.
P.S: even though you can’t spend trade at the $1 Sale, it’s always a good idea to earn some extra cash and clean out your closet ahead of time to make room for your new finds. Now through 4/30, sell your closet cleanout at Buffalo Exchange to be entered to win a $500 shopping spree!
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