Sustainability at The RealReal
We believe caring about fashion and caring about the planet aren't mutually exclusive - in fact, they go together. That's why we've made it possible for millions of people to give millions of things a second (or third, or fourth) life.
Resale is better for the planet
It has less environmental impact than any other way to shop. By extending the life cycle of existing items, resale reduces textile waste, minimizes water and energy use, avoids greenhouse gas emissions, and offers an alternative to fast fashion that still allows for expression and experimentation.
The number of items we've kept in circulation since our founding in 2011.
The chance that your consignment prevents a shopper from buying something newly made.
The percentage of their wardrobe the average American hasn't worn in at least 12 months.
The percentage of fast fashion that is thrown out in less than a year.
liters of water use avoided.
metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided.
Resale Report: Circularity
Want to know what the most sustainable type of garment is? Read this.
Resale Report: Circularity
Want to know what the most sustainable type of garment is? Read this.
"The RealReal was founded with the mission of changing the way people shop for the better. Keeping items in circulation and out of landfills is a world-changing initiative and the future of personal style."
RATI SAHI LEVESQUE, PRESIDENT & CEO
What Else We're Doing
We support climate-friendly banking alternative Green-Fi* as a member of its Green Marketplace program and were among the founders of the American Circular Textiles policy group.
Sell It Forward
There's already enough clothing on the planet, so if some of it is languishing in your closet, let us sell it for you. Your consignment will help curb demand for newly made items that create waste and contribute to emissions during manufacturing.
Shop Sustainably
And by that, we mean secondhand. Utilizing what already exists means you get to create a look that's all your own. Plus, you can always buy and browse with confidence knowing the most rigorous authentication standards in the industry are behind every item you see.
Realcycle
We believe everything deserves a next life, so we regularly partner with organizations, institutions, artists, and designers to transform aged and damaged pieces into one-of-a-kind creations using a range of sustainable techniques.
We recycle unsellable items and confiscated fakes with SuperCircle, the industry leader in fiber-to-fiber recycling, which is the process of breaking down textiles into fiber components to make new clothing, and high quality downcycling, a method for breaking down existing products so their materials can be re-purposed.
*GreenFi is not a bank. GreenFi debit cards are issued by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant by a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. GreenFi is under separate ownership from any other named entity.
