Are you looking for a way to save money and help the environment? If so, you should consider second-hand shopping! This is a great way to find quality clothes, furniture, and other items at a fraction of the price. In this blog post, we will discuss how to get started with second-hand shopping. Let’s dive in!
Why second-hand shopping?
Second-hand shopping is a great way to reduce pollution.
In addition to saving money, second-hand shopping is also better for the environment. When you buy second-hand, you are keeping items out of landfills. This extends the life of the item and reduces waste. For example, a review of 41 studies found that for every additional 3 months a piece of clothing is used the carbon, water, and waste footprints are reduced by 5-10%.
You are also decreasing the demand for producing new items.
70% of the carbon footprint of clothes comes from material production, preperation, and processing. When you opt for a second-hand item instead of a new one, you are helping reduce the demand for more pollution-intensive material production.
So, how do you get started?
Online Second-Hand
Bookmarking second-hand sites can make it keep them more visible and accessible when you are on the hunt for clothes, books, furniture, and other gear.
Buy Nothing – Download the app on IOS or Android or keep your local Facebook group bookmarked.
Craigslist – a way to find a wide variety of items, near and far.
eBay – an online marketplace for new and used items. Be sure to filter for second-hand or you may be purchasing something brand new.
Facebook Marketplace – a way to find a wide variety of items, near and far.
Mercari – second-hand online marketplace aimed to help you declutter.
Play it Again Sports – second-hand sports gear.
Poshmark – an online marketplace, most ’boutique’ items are not second-hand. Fashion, home goods, beauty products, etc…
ShopGoodwill – online version of Goodwill
ThreadUP – online consignment shop.
Keep Second-Hand Visible
Do you usually search for items online on your laptop, phone, or tablet? Or a variety of devices? Here are 3 ways to keep second-hand sites visible and easier to access.
- Bookmark sites on your desktop or laptop computer. This should keep it clickable at the top of your search window.
- Move your favorite second-hand app to your front or home screen.
Combine second-hand sites into a folder accessible on your front or home screen. Here’s how to do that on an iPhone and Android.