Go Greener Tips

Go green easily by using second-hand and consignment stores.  The current economic downturns most of us are feeling has taken some of the stigma off buying preowned items.  Yard sales are hot shopping spots, on line classified ad sites are cropping up in droves and community swaps are growing in popularity.  Second-hand is NOT a dirty word.  People of all classes are realizing that there are great finds on the racks and shelves of consignment stores and thrift stores.  The old adage of “One man’s  trash is another man’s treasure.” has taken on new meaning and new value.

Utilizing stores that clean, refurbish, rewire or simply sell items as-is eliminates the need to ship merchandise from around the country.  There’s no added cost to the price tag for fuel fees, warehouse handling fees, trucking companies fees nor the big charge for buying a name brand article at full price.  Donations are tax deductible with receipts from the organization stating the estimated value of the items; you save when you give as well as receive.  Many charity organizations use their resale stores for training.  The developmentally disabled, recovering addicts, the homeless and others in need of marketable skills learn how to rewire appliances or do reupholstery work or succeed in retail so they can support themselves.

Go green and get greenbacks by putting consignment stores to good use.  Last year’s fashion staples, brand new stock from retired businesses or an extra toaster oven from a newlywed’s gift collection are found treasures.  As a rule, only clean, like-new products are acceptable for consideration at these stores.  Finding original price tags on packaging is very common.  Consignment stores will either pay you a flat rate for your items or take a small fee on what they sold for.  Many will even give an in-store credit or let you trade some of your things for same-priced merchandise.  Building a good relationship with the owner or manager can garner you some nice perks, like getting a first look at new arrivals before they go out onto the sales floor.

Going green and second-hand buying go hand-in-hand so remember, second-hand is NOT a dirty word.  These stores serve their communities by employing from within the area, giving new life to gently-used or even never-used things and keeping their corner of the local economy going.  Thrift stores are usually a training and financial source for charities while consignment stores put cash in your pocket but both do the same service; keeping usable items out of the dumps.