Buy mostly used stuff
Earth Points60 
EaseMedium
Summary
Opt for used durable products to save money and combat the throw-away mentality. Explore online platforms, local markets, and freecycle websites for a wide range of quality items to reduce pollution from creating new stuff and landfill waste.
Description
Join the movement to buy used durable products when possible.
It not only will save you money but also increase the resale value of our used goods, fighting against the throw-away mentality. Help short-circuit the scraping away and overheating of the planet, while building a more sustainable economy.
Creating something new requires mining land to dig up materials, cutting down trees, processing raw resources, construction of the item, packaging, and transporting all of that around the globe. That consumes a lot of energy, which often comes from polluting sources. It also takes a toll on virgin lands and pumps considerable emissions into the air.
It not only will save you money but also increase the resale value of our used goods, fighting against the throw-away mentality. Help short-circuit the scraping away and overheating of the planet, while building a more sustainable economy.
Creating something new requires mining land to dig up materials, cutting down trees, processing raw resources, construction of the item, packaging, and transporting all of that around the globe. That consumes a lot of energy, which often comes from polluting sources. It also takes a toll on virgin lands and pumps considerable emissions into the air.
Tips
• It is understandable that you cannot buy used items in all circumstances. The idea is to do so when you can. That typically means you get higher quality at a lower price!
• We live in the golden age of used items. Never before in human history has it been so easy to buy from a wide range of recycled items. Online platforms offer a wide selection of options at the tip of your fingers.
• There are great options for buying used items from across the country (wider selection) or locally (easy pick-up, especially for larger items). Search online and talk to friends to get a sense of the most robust online marketplaces in your area.
• Electronics, toys, furniture, books, clothing, games, presents, tools, and home decor are a taste of the high-quality items you can find used. Many new items are made with flimsier materials than they used to be, so this often means you get a higher quality item when buying something a little older.
• Search for freecycle websites in your area. These platforms are made up of people giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns and neighborhoods. It is all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.
• Traditional second-hand shops, thrift stores, yard sales, and antique stores still make for great treasure-hunting adventures as well. There are even online versions to check out.
• Challenge yourself to NOT buy anything new for one week. Then two. Eventually, it becomes a habit and your bank account will thank you.
• We live in the golden age of used items. Never before in human history has it been so easy to buy from a wide range of recycled items. Online platforms offer a wide selection of options at the tip of your fingers.
• There are great options for buying used items from across the country (wider selection) or locally (easy pick-up, especially for larger items). Search online and talk to friends to get a sense of the most robust online marketplaces in your area.
• Electronics, toys, furniture, books, clothing, games, presents, tools, and home decor are a taste of the high-quality items you can find used. Many new items are made with flimsier materials than they used to be, so this often means you get a higher quality item when buying something a little older.
• Search for freecycle websites in your area. These platforms are made up of people giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns and neighborhoods. It is all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.
• Traditional second-hand shops, thrift stores, yard sales, and antique stores still make for great treasure-hunting adventures as well. There are even online versions to check out.
• Challenge yourself to NOT buy anything new for one week. Then two. Eventually, it becomes a habit and your bank account will thank you.
Related
Track actions
Want to keep track of the actions you are trying and have already completed? Want to sort by the different actions? Download the free mobile app for easier browsing and a personalized experience.
Photo Credit
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash