Thrifted is the new Black

One of the most obvious and well-known benefits of buying secondhand is the cost savings. You can often find secondhand good up to 50% cheaper than you could is you were buying new. As an added bonus, by spending less, your dollar goes further.

Energy and natural resources go into creating the packaging that typically accompanies a new product. Each product that is manufactured is responsible for some level of depletion of natural resources. Buying secondhand goods means that the energy and natural resources that went into creating those goods have already been used. So, you are not creating a demand for new items that require additional energy or deplete even more natural resources. Also, when you buy used, you are giving those items a second life and saving them from being thrown out as trash that will end up in our overflowing landfills.

When buying secondhand, you aren't going to be dealing with all the excess packaging (packing peanuts, bubble wrap, packing paper, extra cardboard, etc). Not all that material is recyclable. A benefit of buying secondhand goods is that you don't have any of that waste or mess. You can start enjoying your new-to-you items, packaging free!

Whether you are buying from a thrift-store, consignment shop, vintage store, your neighbor who posted secondhand goods on social media, or a pop-up market, the dollars you spend stay in the neighborhood and aren't going to big-box store's headquarters. A lot of thrift stores are often a fundraising extension of a non-profit. So depending on where you shop, you could be supporting local causes. Not to mention, small privately owned stores and business or pop-up shops likely want, need and appreciate your business more. They are also likely using the dollars you spend and investing them back into their store or supporting other businesses in the area.

Whether you are searching for a new outfit, a fun piece of furniture, or your next must-read book or game, you will find unique and even hard-to-find pieces. When you buy new, you are typically buying mass-produced items that you and your neighbors might all have. Beyond the obvious benefits of buying used, you get the added bonus of owning items that you won’t find just anywhere.