Between reducing our impact, reusing what we can, and recycling legitimate waste, the planet is bound to become a much cleaner, greener place to live. Recycling is good, but reusing is even better, and it's entirely necessary to get thrifty when it comes to going green.
Even though buying used items is a greener way to live, it's not necessarily easier, unless you know what you're doing. The following five tips will help you get started living a greener life by helping you get thrifty:
1. Know where to look.
You have a lot of options when it comes to buying used. However, if you're looking for a senior level hockey stick that has a regular flex, you might want to check out a used sports equipment store instead of the local Goodwill. You might find a specific item at a general thrift store, but your chances are far better if you have a specialty store you can check out.
2. Know what you're looking for.
Buying secondhand can save you a lot of money, but it can also waste a lot of your time if you don't know what you're looking to find. If you've got an afternoon to browse, you may not need a plan, but you're search is much more likely to turn up something useful if you've got a mission in mind.
3. Be open to what you might find.
Even though your hunt will be best if you've got some direction, you never know when you might happen upon a vintage sewing machine that just needs a few screws and a new spool of thread. If it's been in the back of your mind and you see some potential, it's best to never pass up a good deal.
4. Look for the diamond in the rough.
If you're buying used, sometimes used means USED. But even though that retro toaster that's on display is tarnished and has a ding (or two, or three) doesn't mean it won't toast your bread to perfection. Polish that baby up and tap out that ding for a toaster that will suit almost any kitchen.
5. Keep coming back.
Whether you're sifting through stuff at a thrift or consignment store, or you're browsing bins at a local garage sale, you may be put off when you don't find what you're looking for. Turnaround at such stores, and varying lifestyles mean that each week you'll find a random array of used goods. Don't get discouraged if you don't find what you're looking for right away. Instead, check out your other options, and, if necessary, be willing to wait it out.
