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The episode of Discovering North Carolina focuses on Wilmington and the growing trend of secondhand shopping. The fashion industry is a major contributor to waste, but secondhand shopping is becoming popular, especially among Gen Z. Wilmington has many thrift and consignment stores, such as Plato's Closet and Close Mentor. There are also local shops and online platforms like Instagram and Facebook where gently used clothing can be found. Wilmington also has a thriving antique scene, with places like the Ivy Cottage offering gently used items for the home. So, when in Wilmington, make sure to explore the secondhand resources available. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Discovering North Carolina. I'm your host, Grace Rodriguez, and today's episode focuses on the city of Wilmington. We will be discussing the growing trend of secondhand shopping as a potential positive impact on the environment. As we all know, our actions have had a grave impact on the environment and steps towards repairing the damage desperately need to be made. The fashion industry is one of the leading contributors to the world's waste problem, producing around 92 million tons of waste each year. In the age of the internet, where fast fashion options are available at the click of a button, and social media platforms like TikTok push consumerism more than ever, it would seem this problem will only continue to get worse, but don't lose hope just yet. Secondhand shopping is becoming more popular than ever. Of course, thrift and consignment stores have been around for decades, but it's now becoming a hobby amongst Gen Z and how some of them exclusively shop if they can. As a rapidly growing city where young people move to every day, Wilmington is the perfect city to foster this environmentally friendly habit. There is no shortage of thrift and consignment stores in the city, like the popular Plato's Closet that is stuffed full with great options and plenty of college kids. It's conveniently right next door to Close Mentor, another popular chain of consignment stores. Both can be found on New Center Drive. There are plenty of local shops as well. Fairy Circle, which is particularly popular amongst UNCW students, found on South College Street, and Cape Fear Vintage Market, who recently opened up their own storefront but hosts markets around Wilmington for other vintage collectors to sell their stuff. Instagram and Facebook are great places to find gently used clothing items being sold locally, and UNCW students specifically are very active on these platforms. Many Wilmington local vintage sources sell directly through Instagram when they're not at markets. And it doesn't just stop at clothes. There's an incredible antique scene in Wilmington. Places like the Ivy Cottage have buildings chock full of gently used goodies for your home. So if you ever find yourself in or near Wilmington, enjoy more than just the food and the weather. Enjoy the second-hand resources as well.