Column CEO: If the (second-hand) shoe fits…

Written by: Agnes Kroese, CEO of Dorcas

How many things have you bought this December? It’s hard to resist the temptations of Black Friday deals, ‘Sinterklaas’ discounts, and those alluring ads from clothing stores trying to dress you up in a brand-new wardrobe for Christmas.

Speaking of that new outfit, I don’t want to spoil your festive spirits, but the numbers don’t lie. Producing just one cotton T-shirt can require up to 2,500 litres of water—that’s enough for one person to drink for three and a half years! And everything keeps getting faster and cheaper. As if fast fashion weren’t bad enough, we now even have ultra-fast fashion, where clothes appear in stores within days at an even lower price.

When I think about it, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. This can’t be good for the world. I’m not just thinking about the workers enduring harsh conditions to produce these garments but also about the planet. We’re stripping it of resources and exhausting it while the piles of waste grow ever larger. The earth has been entrusted to us to care for, not to destroy.

Treating the planet with sustainability and fairness doesn’t have to be difficult. If I could give you one tip this December: skip the fast-fashion stores and visit a nearby Dorcas shop to discover the magic of second-hand shopping. I’m still on this journey myself. I still catch myself too often buying clothes and other items brand-new, even though I know a trip to second-hand shops is far more sustainable—and often yields hidden gems. My younger sister sets a great example for me; she very consciously made the choice to buy almost all her clothing second-hand.

Conversations with colleagues often remind me of the consequences of our actions on the earth. Droughts in countries like Kenya, Iraq, and Yemen. Or severe floods in places such as South Sudan and Ethiopia. These events have devastating consequences: people are forced to flee, or crops fail, leaving hunger lurking. By purchasing something from a Dorcas shop, you help us support people in these countries. Whether through humanitarian assistance during crises or long-term projects teaching people and communities to adapt to changing weather conditions.

And it can all start with one thoughtful purchase in the Netherlands. Let’s make the holidays a bit more sustainable together. If the (second-hand) shoe, jumper, or party dress fits, wear it—you’ll have something new to shine in and also give the earth a gift this Christmas.

Agnes Kroes is CEO of Dorcas. Agnes: ‘I contribute with great dedication to our mission in creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish. One of the ways I do this is through a monthly column in Dutch newspaper Nederlands Dagblad. In this column, I share insights from my professional experience at Dorcas. My aim is to inspire, inform and encourage readers to engage with Dorcas’ initiatives, campaigns, and projects.‘

07 December 2024