By Claire Schneider

On Aug. 27, U of L students got thrifty with ELSB along Bardstown Road. 

The ELSB Community Aid and Immersion committee bussed students to the Highlands neighborhood. The area is known for its small businesses, and in particular, its eclectic thrift stores. 

The committee is focusing on a different Louisville neighborhood each month, highlighting what makes the city unique.  

“It’s really important to get Louisville students out in the community and not just bring stuff to them, which is why we have focused on so many events like this, taking students out to the Louisville community,” said CAI co-director Cece Boland.

ELSB Green Initiatives co-director Kyle Martin joined CAI to supervise students. The nearly 50 students were divided into four groups, each led by an ELSB member.

“If you’re going to be living somewhere on campus, I think it’s really important to be involved in your community,” Martin said. 

Cece Boland gives students instructions inside 502Thrifts. (Photo by Claire Schneider / The Louisville Cardinal)

Supporting small businesses

Each business donated a gift card, which attendees were entered in a drawing for. Still, a majority of students loaded back in the bus with at least one shopping bag.  Participating businesses included 502Thrifts, The Vintage Banana, HeyTiger and Retroville. 

Retroville owner Justin Tucker noted the positive environment amongst the local thrift stores and Louisville’s status as a good vintage city. They all know each other and often work together. 

“We heard a busload of students coming, so we got excited,” Tucker said.

Though freshman Lillie Gernert is from Louisville, she didn’t have the chance to explore the Highlands until Thrift the Ville. She and her roommate heard of the event through Instagram.

“I’d never been before and we had a way to get there, and we were both really interested,” Gernert said. 

Gernert tried on several sunglasses at HeyTiger and eventually bought a pair. She’d shopped at Goodwill previously to save money, but this experience was different.

Students wait to load back on the bus. (Photo by Claire Schneider / The Louisville Cardinal)

Sustainability in Louisville

“This is so much more local, and you can see a lot of the intention put into the store,” Gernert said.

In an era of fast fashion, thrifting is considered a way to be more sustainable. Retroville prides themselves on giving new life to secondhand clothing and accessories. A hat for example, gets thoroughly cleaned and reshaped before it’s for sale. 

“That’s one of the reasons why I do it: trying to keep it out of the landfill, trying to keep it out of the dumpsters,” Tucker said. 

Boland emphasized the sustainability aspect of the event. Not only were students supporting small businesses, but reducing waste. 

“We have a lot of affordable, sustainable options in the city,” Boland said. 

 In September and October, ELSB is turning to Portland and U of L’s home, Old Louisville.

 Feature Photo by Claire Schneider / The Louisville Cardinal