Why EcoDhaga Does Not Monetise Decluttering: The True Cost of Overconsumption
- EcoDhaga India
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
We get asked this a lot—“Can we sell our clothes to you?” And we totally get why! Selling secondhand clothes feels like a great way to make some extra cash while being sustainable, right?
But at EcoDhaga, we take a different approach—we don’t monetise decluttering. Instead, we encourage a circular economy where garments are given a second life through responsible donations. But why do we take this stance, and how does it align with our sustainability mission? Let’s dive in.
But other thrift stores buy, why don't you?
Are you fooled by those gimmicky ads too? Most claim to pay but usually end up messaging that they are at capacity or will only take items they consider trendy enough to remarket, so it is not the open market you think it to be...
Other thrift stores are just that, "thrift stores", while we at EcoDhaga, are mobilising a whole circular operational model to ensure not a scrap goes to waste, so we deal with higher volumes and more variety. While it helps us create more impact onground in the fashion industry, it can be operationally challenging to evaluate each item on spot to monetise it for you. So, just a reminder, we are not just a thrift store and you can read up more about what happens in the afterlife of your decluttering here.
In case no one told you, you probably would be getting paid by the kg and not by the item and its quality when thrift stores do purchase it. Do you really want to give your once-worn favourite brand dress for ₹10-100 per kg? What would that brand and its creator have to say if they found out? In creating an alternative economy, are we devaluing brands inadvertently? Nah we do not want to go down that legal rabbit hole with brands who have more resources than our young circular bootstrapped brand, we would rather focus our operations and energy in service to our mission!
Here is really why we don't monetise decluttering...
1. The Overconsumption Trap
Imagine this: You clean out your wardrobe, sell a few items, and suddenly feel justified in buying more clothes because you know you can just sell them later. This cycle repeats, and before you know it, you're back to square one. That’s exactly the issue! If selling unwanted clothes became the norm, people might end up shopping even more, believing they can always resell later. At EcoDhaga, we’re here to break that cycle and encourage mindful consumption instead.
2. "Can We Sell Our Clothes to You?" - A Question We Get All the Time
So, back to the big question—why don’t we buy your clothes? The short answer: not all secondhand clothes are made equal. Fast fashion garments, for example, aren’t always built to last. If we started purchasing them, we’d be adding to a system that promotes short-lived fashion instead of truly sustainable reuse. Instead, we focus on accepting high-quality donations, ensuring every item gets the longest possible lifespan, rather than just circulating through multiple quick resales before ending up in a landfill.
3. It’s About More Than Just Clothes
When you donate rather than sell, you’re contributing to something much bigger—a conscious movement. Your clothes go to those who truly need them or are repurposed in meaningful ways. And don’t worry, we still believe in rewarding sustainable choices! That’s why we offer incentives through our points-based donation system, so you can still shop pre-loved fashion without fueling overconsumption.
Our Incentive-Based Approach
While we don’t buy clothes, we love to give back to those who help close the loop. Through our points-based system, every donation earns you rewards that can be redeemed for ethical and pre-loved fashion from our collection. This way, we keep the cycle going—without encouraging over-shopping.
What About Luxury Items?
Now, we do see a difference when it comes to high-end, luxury garments. These pieces are often made to last and hold their value over time. That’s why we’re exploring a commission-based resale model, where you can sell your luxury fashion through our platform with a little co-marketing help from us. This ensures valuable pieces are resold thoughtfully and sustainably.
Would you be interested in a buy-sell programme for luxury items?
0%Yesss!! I looking for ways to monetise my closet...
0%Maybe...
0%No, I am happy to just declutter with you guys!
Join the Movement: Close the Fashion Loop Consciously!
EcoDhaga is committed to making sustainable fashion a reality. By decluttering instead of selling, you help reshape the way fashion is consumed, making room for a more mindful future.
Ready to be part of the change? Declutter your clothes today and earn rewards while making a difference!
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