Argyle Alternative High School creates popup thrift store driven by sustainability

On Thursday, October 5th, Argyle Alternative High School hosted its first Thrifty Thursday event – a staff-created thrift store that was filled with donated clothing, books, and household items. Students enjoyed a free shopping experience while thinking sustainably.

Argyle has a long history of education through sustainability, and Thrifty Thursday is their newest initiative. Throughout the day of the event, students had opportunities to shop and trade tickets for items. Not only did students find essential items like socks, coats, and gloves, but they also discovered treasures by reimagining and repurposing tea sets, shelves, and picture frames. 

While shopping, the students began to rethink the fast-fashion items in their own closets, and expressed a desire to donate or volunteer their time with future Thrifty Thursday events. For one student, they found an item for themselves and a gift for their grandmother. Another thought about ways they could organize the items by colour as well as ensure inclusive sizing for everyone for future Thrifty Thursdays.

Through this event, the school saved 208 items from ending up in a landfill as well as provided a unique learning opportunity.

The next Thrifty Thursday will take place in December and give students and their families the opportunity to act generously and think sustainably about their holiday shopping.

Argyle is accepting donations for their December Thrifty Thursday. Please contact Marly Masiowski (mmasiowski@wsd1.org) if you are interested in donating any items or for more information.