News Summary
Costa Mesa college students are increasingly turning to thrift stores for affordable and sustainable shopping. Recent events at Orange Coast College, such as a collaboration with Goodwill and a Swap Shop, highlight this trend. Students express how thrift stores meet their budgetary needs while promoting eco-friendly practices. The growing demand for more thrift store locations indicates a shift in consumer habits as students seek to balance finances with environmental consciousness.
Costa Mesa, CA is witnessing a growing trend among college students embracing thrift stores for their dual benefits of affordability and sustainability. This shift reflects a broader movement within the student community to seek out cost-effective shopping alternatives while also promoting eco-friendly practices.
On October 14, 2025, students from Orange Coast College (OCC) engaged with the local Goodwill to explore thrift shopping options. The following day, October 15, 2025, the Coast Collective room at OCC hosted a Swap Shop event aimed at facilitating further engagement with thrift store culture. These initiatives highlight the increasing reliance on secondhand items, which serve the dual purposes of addressing financial constraints and contributing to more sustainable consumer habits.
Individuals associated with OCC have been vocal about the importance of thrift stores in meeting students’ needs. Bianca Nemtoc, a donations coordinator for the Salvation Army, emphasizes the quality of items typically found in thrift shops, countering the perception that they offer only worn or lower-quality clothing. This positive stance on thrift shopping is echoed by students like Amy Villa, a hospitality management major, and Ettie Ghattas, a fashion design major.
Student Voices on Thrift Shopping
Amy Villa highlights the critical role thrift stores play in providing affordable access to essential items. She notes that for many students, especially those operating within tight budgets, these stores represent a lifeline, allowing for self-expression without the burden of overspending. Villa insists that thrift shopping can be a matter of necessity, underscoring the significance of these options in the daily lives of students.
Meanwhile, Ettie Ghattas points out the unique offerings that thrift stores provide, featuring older items often crafted with more durable materials than those found in contemporary retail. This variety allows fashion enthusiasts to discover distinct pieces that stand out in a world dominated by mass production.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the appreciation for thrift stores, students have expressed a desire for more locations near campus. Villa argues that increasing the number of thrift stores in proximity to OCC would enhance convenience and provide students with additional choices. The scarcity of these stores means that students either find themselves creating items themselves or incurring added expenses at traditional retailers, both of which can be challenging given their financial constraints.
This growing demand for thrift shopping aligns with a national trend among college students, where individuals are increasingly seeking out secondhand options to support both their academic and personal lives. The practice of thrift shopping stands not only as an economic necessity but also as a vital strategy in the fight against consumerism and environmental waste.
Sustainability in Shopping
Thrift stores offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion by promoting the recycling of clothing and other goods. Encouraging college students to shop secondhand can contribute to a reduction in textile waste, which is a significant environmental issue. The ethos of sustainability resonates throughout campuses as residents become more aware of their consumption habits and their impact on the environment.
As Costa Mesa’s college students continue to advocate for thrift shopping as a practical solution to their needs, it becomes evident that these stores play a crucial role in their everyday lives. From finding affordable clothing and decor to sourcing textbooks, thrift stores are seen as essential contributors to fulfilling various student needs while fostering a more sustainable lifestyle.
In summary, the positive shift in attitudes among Costa Mesa’s college students towards thrift stores reflects a broader commitment to affordability and sustainability, paving the way for a more mindful approach to consumerism and personal finance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newport Beach Celebrates National Thrift Shop Day
Additional Resources
- Coast Report Online
- Wikipedia: Thrift Store
- Orange County Register
- Google Search: Thrift Stores in Orange County
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainability
- Daily Titan
- Google News: Thrift Shopping Sustainability
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
