By: Amanda Froelich,
If you’re looking to make a difference, there a variety of ways you can use your power, vote with your dollar, and make your voice heard. Because our society is driven around consumerism, one of the best ways to benefit your own budget, save the environment, and satisfy your shopping craving for unique goods is to shop second-hand.
Although innovative green living products and new organic options continue to be introduced with great reception, there are still ways one can beneficially impact the world – by recycling, re-using, and appreciating – at little to no cost.
Rummage sales, consignment shops, second-hand stores, and other used-good venues all offer the opportunity to utilize manufactured items which may no longer serve their initial buyer, but still have a long life use and can benefit another.
The following are 9 reasons you should consider shopping second-hand; it can make a greater difference than you may realize.
1. Much more Affordable
When you shop at thrift stores, yard sales, and other second-hand venues, your money stretches much farther. On average, used products are generally 50% cheaper – allowing you to save money for other important expenditures… organic produce, anyone?
2. You Get to Experience the Thrill of the Hunt
At a thrift store, you deal in the unknown. Scouring flea markets and rummage sales until you have found that have-to-have item at an unbeatable price can be exhilarating. In this way, second-hand shopping is much more rewarding in a way retail shopping could never be.
3. Your Money Stays in the Community
Second-hand perusing ensures your money stays in the community where it can benefit local businesses and charities.
4 . It’s Easier to Spot Quality
Since most of the merchandise you come across has already been broken in, you can see what has quality and what does not. Practical and affordable.
5. It’s Green!
Buying used goods cuts down on manufacturing demands and keeps more items out of the landfill! Because a large amount of man-made goods are routinely thrown away, re-using gives a longer life to common household items another family could use, saving the Earth in effect.
6. Inspire to Recycle
The flow of second-hand giving goes both ways. Items or clothes you no longer use, you can donate back to a local consignment shop and offer up goods another may be searching for. The act of recycling not only enables us to feel good about our actions but, again, keeps money in the local economy and supports the green living movement.
7. Service Exceeds
While this can’t be assumed for every second-hand shop, garage sale, or flea market, the atmosphere of most used-goods stores have a friendly, warm, and relaxing atmosphere. Interaction is much more pleasing and due to the slower flow of shoppers, service is readily available if you should need help.
8. Brand Names
If you’re an individual who worships the tag, you’re likely to find many recycled, brand-name clothes available. It’s a great way to suit your stylish needs while saving a bundle and helping the environment.
9. New Merchandise Arrives Daily
Consignment shops receive donations daily, so the hunt for that unique item is always new and fresh. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, chances are in a couple of days it might be present.
Because shopping is such an essential part of our consumer-driven economy, indulging in second-hand stores and opportunities is a way to beneficially promote the economy, save the environment, and still satisfy your craving for unique clothes and items.
