Green Your New Year's Resolution: Buy Used

Happy new year! You may have already committed to the bulk of your resolutions, but deepening your shade of green will do us all good. This week, we’re giving you easy-to-stick-to ways to make 2009 greener.

Tip #4: Buy Used

To steal a euphemism from the car industry, buying “pre-owned” instantly saves all the resources that would have gone into – and the pollution that would have come out of – producing a brand-new item. Whether you’re shopping for a house, furniture, a vehicle, electronics, clothes, jewelry, books, or most anything else, going vintage is the best way to go green.

Comments

[Charlotte]

I love that “new book smell” but in this economy I’ve been unable to justify $30 every time a favorite author publishes a new book. I found http://www.bookins.com and I’ve LOVED every trade I’ve made there. I like that they arrange the trade and stand behind each one. The website is fun and uncluttered ... I encourage you to take a look at Bookins and if you decide to join, please use my link so I'll get bonus points (you'll get points, too): www.bookins.com/index.php?p1=1c_0cq0cA. Bookins also trades DVDs, but I love finding new homes for books! It’s the ultimate recycling project!

[Lyn]

craigslist, craigslist, craigslist. Best thing ever.

[Sophie]

Forget about buying. Try the public library for books, CDs, and DVDs. If they don't have a title I want, I can suggest a purchase that will serve the entire city. Plus, they are linked to libraries state-wide so I can get really obscure books from university libraries. Libraries rock!

[Stephanie]

How about freecycling? What's better than used furniture than Free used furniture?

[Gerren]

I absolutely love our area's used furniture stores and auctions. I get the best furniture at the best prices....no MDF or plywood!!! All good, well-crafted stuff like they USED to make! Just bought a beautiful solid oak set of bunk beds for our son for $200 (eat your heart out, Crate and Barrel!!!!)

[Merrily]

Don't forget: free stuff at the curb, Craig's list, Free Cycle, thrift shops, consignment shops, and your friends and relatives attics and basements :)

[Lori]

I joined Freecycle early last year and recommend it as a good source for many types of items. I've listed a bunch of things that went to appreciative new owners & have also received several items that I needed. Most members are accurate and honest about item descriptions and condition. Other than some inconsiderate "no shows" for item pick-up, my experience with Freecycle has been positive.

[Sara B., Norfolk]

I love freecycle.org!!! Craigslist also has a free section.

Everytime I think "I need...(fill in the blank)", I get creative. For instance, I need a new kitty bed for my cats, since I'm banning them from my "new" couch I picked up from freecycle. Wal-Mart had some nice ones for about $20, but I thought twice. Instead, I went to the thrift store and got a fleece blanket for under $2 and whip stitched it over an old pillow in my linen closet. Presto and they love it! They are lounging on it right now and staring at me!

[MostEmailedNews.com]

The only thing that scares me about used furniture is the possibility of bedbugs.. Everything else (except clothes) I buy used..

- T

http://mostemailednews.com

[Marjorie Sanders]

Childbearing should be a punishable crime against
society, unless the parents hold a government license.
All potential parents should be required to use
contraceptive chemicals, the government issuing
antidotes to citizens chosen for childbearing

[Frank Thomas]

Nice try Marjorie.

[Patti]

I have been shopping at resale and second-hand stores for clothing for years. It takes a little bit longer to find items that are in good condition and in style, but it is worth it for the planet and the pocketbook. If someone can share how they got their teenagers to agree to shopping second-hand, I'd appreciate the technique. More recently, I have been finding furniture and other items through Craigslist. I am now going to check into freecycle.

[Nadiza]

Years ago, my boyfriend and I had very little money and the money we did have was for important things food, child support, etc. Furniture was not in the budget. A friend's aunt had died and no wanted her bedroom furniture. Since my boyfriend and I were sharing one twin bed, we asked if we could have the bedroom furniture. We got married a short time later and put the furniture to good use.

It was nice furniture and made me realize that having a brand new matching bedroom suite may not be the what wanted anymore. Thirty-five years later, we're still using the bedroom furniture. Most of the furniture in my house has been previously owned. I've had no regrets and my home, in spite of having few furniture expenditures, has it's own unique character.

[Nadiza]

I forgot to mention that I also have bought used china at a garage sale, and one set at an estate sale. Beautiful serving platters were found at flea markets. And while I love owning new books, most of my most treasured books are old books. I love the smell of old books, it reminds of the smell of the library of my childhood.

The used pieces, whether furniture, china or books, have soul. To me they're a bridge to the past as they carry us into the future

[ShotaTani]

I love fashion especially street wear.

[Alyssa]

I've never heard of Freecycle, and I'm excited to look into it!

Estate sales are perhaps my favorite way to acquire used things. There's even companies like Estate Sales.net that email you the sales in your area.
For my sewing projects, I only shop at thrift stores, estate sales and garage sales for used fabric, buttons, etc. As a result, all my goodies have this kitschy, unique charm!

[Larry]

What about used appliances or electronics which are less efficient/use more energy than their newer counterparts? The same thing can be said for some cars. What do you guys think?

[Joplin]

Hey, love the articles!

I just wanted to add my venture to the comments. I take High End Thrift clothes from non-profit thrift stores in the area. I then Apply New Screen Printing designs to them in various original ways. I have been selling locally for a couple years, but have just ventured into the internet world. Each shirt becomes its own unique work of art.

You can check them out here: http://www.bootlegtshirts.com

Reduce - Reuse - Re-Style...

Thanks!

Bootlegger