Eco-Fashion: What Was Old is New Again
In an effort to stem the flow of textile waste, which is a large contributor to global warming, there has been a rise in upcycled, recycled, eco-friendly and sustainably run clothing stores.
The extremely detrimental impact of fast fashion waste on the environment is no news. Besides being responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions, the industry is also infamously known for the amount of resources it wastes and the millions of textiles ending up in landfills every day.
There are several shops in Benicia that specialize in quality used clothing, as well as shops that are eco-friendly.
RAGS TO RICHES
This out-of-the-way resale shop is located at the Historic Arsenal Park. “You have to seek it out, find it, all part of the fun,” says Remy Regala, owner.
The consignment shop sells top name-brand merchandise for much less than their original cost. Everything is either gently used or new with the tags still attached.
946 Tyler Street STE C, 707.747.5050 | Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11AM to 5PM
Pocket Monkey Vintage
Pocket Monkey Vintage is Benicia’s only men’s vintage clothing store. There is a wide variety of clothing and inventory moves quickly. The shop boasts a wide assortment of Hawaiian shirts with many colorful, wonderful and often unusual designs.
560 First St, Benicia, 707.486.0518 | Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11AM to 6PM
Elisa’s Cottage
Collecting vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories for over 50 years, Elisa has an amazing variety of unique items in the Cottage. Elisa’s inventory is always changing, and you never know what wonderful treasures you may find. Join them for their regular Girl’s Night Out Shopping event every last Friday of the month!
622, First Street – 707.712.9038 | Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12-6PM
Gypsy Rose Boutique
An eclectic boutique with one of a kind clothing, jewelry and accessories. A collection that is frequently updated based on fashion forecasts. From vintage to gently used and new clothes, accessories, and collectibles, Gypsy Rose is full of interesting merchandise.
800 First Street – 510.706.3296 Hours: Thursday – Saturday 12PM to 5PM, Sunday 11AM to 5PM
Sparkly Ragz
An upscale consignment boutique that specializes in women’s new and like-new clothing, including designer handbags, unique jewelry and chic accessories. The shop offers high-end items without the high-end price tags and an eclectic mix of items. Their inventory also boasts the work of local artisans and hand-selected apparel from all over the world; and they purchase in small batches so that everything they offer is totally unique.
560 First Street – 707.426.4303 Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 12PM to 5PM, Sunday 12PM to 4PM
Shop online at sparklyragz.com
Retro Diva
Retro Diva Alohawear sells men’s, women’s and children’s vintage Hawaiian clothing by appointment only. They are regulars at Tiki Kon and other vintage clothing events.
711 Jackson Street, Benicia, 510.504.3621
My Adopted Treasures
Brand new shop on First Street! This boutique offers eco-conscious curated clothing and accessories. With every purchase you make, you are saving materials from landfills, reducing air pollution, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By appointment and online.
601 First Street, Suite 250-D, 925.808.8097 | myadoptedtreasures.com
There are not yet any examples of clothing stores that upcycle in Benicia, but we are sure that they are on the horizon. Upcycling is the process of taking textiles or pre-loved clothing and repurposing it into something brand new and unique.
In America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste – equivalent to 85% of all textiles – end up in landfills on a yearly basis. It’s past time to stop this and the power to do so is completely in our hands. Instead of cheap fast fashion, buy quality used or new. Yes, it might cost a little more, but you’re worth it. And so is our planet.
