The Biddeford High School (BHS) Sustainability Club hosted its second free Sustainability Thrift Shop last week, inviting students to browse a collection of lightly loved clothing and accessories donated by the school community. The event drew about 100 students after school, where more than 150 items—from popular brands like Coach, Lululemon, Levi’s, Gymshark, Carhartt, and L.L. Bean—found new homes instead of ending up in landfills.
Remaining items were donated to the Tiger Boutique, local fire victims through the National Honor Society, and Goodwill, extending the impact beyond the school community. The initiative underscores the students’ growing awareness of the environmental effects of “fast fashion,” a leading contributor to pollution and waste worldwide.
“Our students are realizing that sustainability can be both practical and fun,” said Cassidy Baranowski, BHS Sustainability Club Co-Advisor. “This event is about more than reusing clothes—it’s about changing habits, sparking conversations, and encouraging everyone to make small, meaningful choices that help our planet, as well as our neighbors.”
The BHS Sustainability Club aims to educate and engage students in environmental action by promoting eco-conscious choices on campus and in the community. From reducing waste and conserving resources to organizing hands-on sustainability projects, the club empowers students to be stewards of the environment and advocates for a more sustainable future.
“Fast fashion has been on the rise, consuming vast amounts of water, energy, and raw materials as well as a major source of pollution,” said Marissa Cassily, BHS Sustainability Club Co-Advisor. “Our thrift shop pop-up is a fun, fashionable way to slow down consumption and make a positive impact right here in Biddeford.”
PICTURED ABOVE: Biddeford High School Sustainability Club members Madelyn Burton and Kikiyo Morgan showcase some of the donations at the second BHS Sustainability Thrift Shop.